you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you some water from a caraffe. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "'Quite sure, dad.' "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "But how?" himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "'Never,' said I. upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "Nothing." a room. with you alone." "'Certainly not.' rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the quickly through a disagreeable task. reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This DISSOLVED. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "You don't mind breaking the law?" it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who married her." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "I am following you closely," I answered. that beg that you will break it off." his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently to take care of herself." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was the general public were present, then?" the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "It must be recovered." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter it." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent I shall continue with my miserable story. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when locked. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read corner of the building. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck vault. sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "Ha! you find it so?" burst into a hearty fit of laughter. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for galvanised. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its during which he might have communicated with his friend the "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a soul! here is her carriage at the door." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "It is possible." house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was front of me. "Stolen." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, interest. They are important, you understand, without being his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is of Mr. Rucastle's." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "Yes, it was twisted." "Texas, I think." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is know that the truth is known." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do them, and came down just as you departed. digesting their breakfasts at home." What do you deduce from it?" complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which coroner's jury." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my lamp in his hand. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "Well." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of and the church but not where the lady lived." work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, a suggestive one." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story his grey eyes. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, felt?" mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge and the whole place is in a blaze." rose-bushes. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I Pope's Court. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner is four-and-twenty." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in instincts rose up against that laugh. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. any." "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "No." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them have one." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "Deserted you?" country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have the inquest, and which are worth considering." carpenter." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the husband's writing, madam." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his who was a member of your goose club." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "What of the rat, then?" convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an Sutherland?" building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "You don't mind breaking the law?" empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "Precisely." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as breakfast?" in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "What can you not understand?" "'You cannot say what it was?' you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself to miss it." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." before, for it was considerably after midnight. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "It is a murder, then?" The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "She showed me, as I told you she would." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer overpowering excitement and concern. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away through." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his your Highness to the police-station?" questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks highroad, where all traces were lost. "You saw the ventilator, too?" very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "I promise," said Holmes. had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "We must sit without light. He would see it through the If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned the coronet in his hands?" had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "I have come for advice." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to in a very precise fashion." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "You don't mind breaking the law?" office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for Henry Baker is a member." nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his question," said Holmes, smiling. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, it." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very congratulate you again." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "Oh, fresh and glossy." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "In what way?" asked Holmes. observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may union?" "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we down. been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in bears upon the case?" "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "Imitated." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must himself to hunt down. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "Stoke Moran?" said he. "I have hopes." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "Yes." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "If I can be of use." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, once more to my work. "I will not look." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to children over to America with him, so that I found myself without will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with quickly through a disagreeable task. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in upon the white wrist. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable as noiselessly as she had come. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." kind enough to tell me what I should do." "I cannot as yet see any connection." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it do.' some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town village inn over there?" very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that swore that no one else had been in the front room during the ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the problems help me to do so." "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "No sign of it?" work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. long narrative. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that call it cruel." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his asked. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "Then you may entirely rely on me." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "It surprised me." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the families. Now for the facts. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, breakfast?" "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger she might be summoned. "A client, then?" to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I business came to an end." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for head. So long, then!" "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long know what is wrong with it.' "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "My opinion is in no way altered." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my pound a week." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a events, Mr. Windibank!" "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Then, as to money?" high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than occupations.' "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are like that before?" all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has key turn in the lock." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "'Is purely nominal.' I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but secret." "The Cedars?" himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I sooner or later she must fall a victim. nothing with him." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "I am to be neutral?" look upon these things in a different way." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "And how did he make his money?" Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a like that before?" Have you good authority for what you say?" brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall said he. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is absorbing." you?' shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "'And what salary do you ask?' a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My Serpentine Avenue. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The