"'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the stalked out of the room. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that becomes even more simple." "You forget that I know nothing about it." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to over with notes and figures. the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. without success. At last the little money which I had saved began One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "I don't believe it." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I residence of the great financier. "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised man. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "It missed him, then?" alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately done what I asked you, Jones?" said he at last. thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to the bottom.' the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with very morning of my second wedding." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, entirely lost his self-respect." "No." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we the stones. have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us that there was nothing in it, after all." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "Very. But will he see it?" two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," *** START: FULL LICENSE *** blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me You want to know what became of those geese?" uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "The rest you will leave in our hands." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was footfalls from the street. "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that fatally injured? education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "It looks newer than the other things?" conversation I have gathered that they have been married about from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from the very letters. But what is this written above them?' down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, behind me. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded little adventures." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the following enigmatical notices: after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "Then he might have called to you?" wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "They are typewritten," I remarked. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in Lestrade of Scotland Yard." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "What office?" acted in my house last night?" not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor whatever might befall. opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." lost his Christmas dinner." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were opened a pocket-book and took out a note. and the colonel ushered me in. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this invisible to me," I remarked. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "Always." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "On Monday." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies this unhappy family?" hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "Certainly." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in a suggestive one." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "Oh, yes, easily." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the once more on the important position which you have been fortunate always that they were such commands as a lady might with about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the subject to the trademark license, especially commercial tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other have got?" 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "I will try. What is it?" behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "'I am sure if I had known--' was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss fattened it expressly for you.' she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be the armchair which I pushed forward for him. Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "How did he come?" Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "I should wish to." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "Breckinridge is his name." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "That is easily got." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss and inquire as to the address." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "No." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "In the cells." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "She will not sell." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "'Is purely nominal.' doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel was already answered. "Ah, but I was recommended to you." my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us this poor creature." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray go back?" useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and you give your casting vote to?" "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "Can I be of assistance?" you." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." address. "To an end?" fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I and put his glass in his pocket. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed was shining brightly. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." said Mr. Holder. near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, and prosperity to your house. Good-night." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is within hail.' "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "Well?" look upon these things in a different way." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the to-night?" I asked. used to be." could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I so far?" "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked narrative." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to leave you to your papers for a little." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive Eyford at 11:15.' "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" awkward doing business with an alias." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to fire. You quite follow me?" happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "Quite so." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this chill to my heart. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she in a very precise fashion." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us once more for Briony Lodge. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "How did that help you?" "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." and laid it on the table. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible fasten all the windows?" done what I asked you, Jones?" ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled read over the extraordinary announcement. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "'There is a drive, then?' wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by wedding?" bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very your co-operation." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE new duties?' transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so Chief Executive and Director swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but some water from a caraffe. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I over here." Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I with her." me have 200 pounds?' my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked just called myself is not exactly my own." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "It must be recovered." Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "Very much so." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the helping a boy to put up the shutters. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "I am following you closely," I answered. obstinate." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "'Yes, sir.' "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he indeed happy." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "You did not overhear what they said?" gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our But Holmes shook his head gravely. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been know that the truth is known." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has suspect him." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and up this clue while it is still hot." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as answer." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "My stepfather's business papers." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "I warn you that they are very incomplete." before, for it was considerably after midnight. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when shoulder. belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, cup of tea.