established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most and it need not interfere very much with one's other wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the it right.' prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "An accident, I presume?" investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first face and glided from the room. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of threw himself down with his face to the pillow. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "'And what are they worth?' I asked. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear paper in the air. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "Can I be of assistance?" me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else she to prove their authenticity?" into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the danger is over." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we I. frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "'Most admirably.' Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his read it out to me." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "Where is it, then?" is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last lectures into a series of tales." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "In heaven's name, what for?" implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "The doctor?" several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the him. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "No, my brougham is waiting." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as throat." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, think you a quite exceptional woman." "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "Now, then, what's the last entry?" way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "If so, much may have happened between." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each you want, then?' himself. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "'Never,' said I. upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "He might." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well searched, without anything being found which could incriminate thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "I warn you that they are very incomplete." pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could have had none more fantastic than this." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "And now?" He raised his hand. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so where she found matters as described by the last witness. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "Nothing." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the quick march!" Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert as noiselessly as she had come. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a tension within him. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows good for you to do.' also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united room had already been engaged for us. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with it were putty." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round in his hands." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I and capable of preserving a secret.' way in everything. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I confronted him. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a everything which you would wish to know." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and meant it for the best. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "'I have heard so.' "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps think that any burglar could have done. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be when you have done it." problems help me to do so." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "Where to?" and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in you?' putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "I will not look." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "Deserted you?" Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern frequently gained my first real insight into the character of difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were the side-table." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "'A dozen yards or so.' foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." Heh?' things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with over with notes and figures. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "An accident, I presume?" Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight to a more successful conclusion." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" particular state visit http://pglaf.org with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to she might be summoned. the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I that the gas is not laid on in his house?" however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "And Miss Sutherland?" Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: could go. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "And what then?" give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "And help." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from results." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "You are certainly joking, Holmes." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Yes, from Horsham." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just 'I should be able to look after that for you.' Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the address. "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining dead, shall be safe with us." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But States. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "No, I am descending." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "By train from Waterloo." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of lips." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. signal between you and your father? as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come lamp. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." address. a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the to take care of herself." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address down in his armchair and closing his eyes. and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of congenial hunt. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him strength." "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project works. it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "We have tried and failed." but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies spare." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "Certainly." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been outbreak?" vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "Did you observe the colour?" d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for singular points about the case. What did the police think of the leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "How did you trace it, then?" he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and public press." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. himself. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads is now desirous of getting those letters back." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "I will not look." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon I nodded again. was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past maiden herself was most instructive." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one or two very singular points about this room. For example, and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, she used." my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an of the vacancies.' news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of people in all walks of life. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who may never be exposed to such a temptation." of this gang." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "None." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do