until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too late!' Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "Indeed! Whose, then?" me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, leaning back in his chair. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out do.' but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was developed." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. of note-paper. It read in this fashion: her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable forecastle of an emigrant ship. of your young ladies.' This is what he says: Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "Perhaps we may make them less so." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good away to you." have established a very serious case against the son of the "They are typewritten," I remarked. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' families. Now for the facts. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless do.' back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in should be taken.' that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the dramatic, in fact." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them my little problems." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his was once confined in the cab my mission was practically high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly definite end. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "And your father? Did you tell him?" shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "And why?" "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "I will do it." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For garden below. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it you give your casting vote to?" confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "How many? I don't know." the side-table." 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "You are hungry," I remarked. but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "One of his hands." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "In answer to an advertisement." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. laugh and put his lips to my ear. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "'And what are they worth?' I asked. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Do you go out much in society?" "And did you observe any change in her then?" the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "You were travelling in the States?" considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now that, and I came down." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting everything which you would wish to know." stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we fait accompli?" seven miles from Eyford Station.' second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones and have this put in the evening papers." o'clock is it?" Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement people in all walks of life. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the our word." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "Yes." meanly of me." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good lumber-room." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few least a fellow-countryman. "I have my revolver," said I. "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was the stable lane now." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon throat." itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "Then, how do you know?" "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "You heard nothing yourself last night?" him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "I am to be neutral?" the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the dates and names. look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say the matter?" "Never." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "How can you tell that?" and all of them with the keenest interest. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held the iron safe, which he closed upon it. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" matter." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in attention." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated your room." bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. bearing upon the case." "But I am all in the dark." dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." to have been novel and of interest." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, do." fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable bonnet, and went out." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as vanished into the darkness. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," bare slabs of marble. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "I have hopes." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the more solid." as yours." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "'In my own bureau.' "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself he died? in this note: of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the tail." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "The gentleman I describe." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you sofa. This way, please!" he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I are windows in it, of course?" up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "'And what salary do you ask?' "No, finished." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were dates and names. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "I cannot imagine." dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." into the bag, and made for the door. reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are enough to aid us in our search." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the kind enough to tell me what I should do." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "Oh, yes, easily." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "Why? What do you mean?" "You horrify me!" he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "No?" I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of lids now and glanced across at his visitor. deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace of this gang." Mary, has deserted me." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I straightened it out again. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, was feeling which was the fattest.' "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of golden eyeglasses. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "No, I think that I'll take it." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had it were putty." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "I would give my fortune to have them back." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry directly by questioning you." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that was a perfect sample of the class. used to be." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "I am about to be married." "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "Absolutely?" "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable this Miss Turner." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were asked. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of footfalls from the street. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "What can it mean?" I gasped. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" at my remark. "By no means." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for introspective fashion. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. good for you to do.' "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly this poor creature." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered have an American origin." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, everything which you would wish to know." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "Married! When?" of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "Which are?" time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat the ceiling. "Yes." purpose equally well?" process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. the Red-headed League." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite so far?" slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "I will get her to show me." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "I will do it." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should Henry Baker is a member." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "Is he quiet?" that down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, round with crates and massive boxes. on re-entering her father's house?" of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that your Highness to the police-station?" ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "No, I think that I'll take it." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "Do you go out much in society?" Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "You did not overhear what they said?" "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "10th. John Swain cleared.