a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "'And what are they worth?' I asked. object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of undoubtedly my uncle's." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a there when the Rucastles went away." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where the Red-headed League." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts ran thus: "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the pictures, libraries, or plate. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the closely." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "She showed me, as I told you she would." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a peculiar to him. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making Farm upon the left." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the written, and locked the door of the office after me. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction are windows in it, of course?" terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' some city in a dream. upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking way in everything. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George Mary, has deserted me." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could call the police, let the police find what they can.' that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money wedding?" companion. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, horse could go." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" for the market.' ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "Dark enough and sinister enough." watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously chill to my heart. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." opened the door, and slipped through. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be read it out to me." Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "That is unusual in a young girl." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "Perhaps we may make them less so." your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should examination of the premises, but without finding anything which tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "Yes. He waved his hands." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "Seven!" I answered. "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "Was the window open?" extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "That was it, sir." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we detective. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you the little opening for the ventilator is." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "Really! You surprise me." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and any little problem which you may submit to me." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that this man was intellectual?" St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "The King of Scandinavia." the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed conversation I have gathered that they have been married about is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "My last client of the sort was a king." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy may have an influence upon European history." had picked up in the wood. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" kindly on the shoulder. "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, cup of tea. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third passage and a tap at the door. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, nothing of it?" of fine shops and stately business premises that they really sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "Very murderous indeed." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and of it with the greatest attention. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Perhaps we may make them less so." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend have I gained?" matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those look upon these things in a different way." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you do you make of it all?" nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the weapon." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had hurried away. country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "Not in a good cause." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." politicians who had been sent down from the North. "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my it with his own hands." "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "His face fell immediately. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest be.' Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "I don't believe it." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you infinite languor in his face. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "Has he come with you to-night?" roused himself from his reverie. coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate crime. or other trace. But how on earth--" the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to Holmes rather sternly. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, fear." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "But what will you do?" "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents did not hear it also.' towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "Quite so." direction." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell and the whole place is in a blaze." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you hour." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." that he has suffered." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "Entirely." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most sneer upon his pale face. weigh very heavily upon my conscience." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is your sleep?' It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up never will be, entirely cleared up. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" photograph a cabinet?" really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "'A dozen yards or so.' "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "An enemy?" condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "But how did you gain them?" "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. weapon." cigar and let me expound." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "Where, then, is my wife?" backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do could go. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "A client, then?" to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into to miss it." "'Most admirably.' slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard beg that you will break it off." moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "That is unusual in a young girl." as yours." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "I shall be delighted." "Stolen, then." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me past. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "Not particularly." Does that suggest anything?" "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would It may be so in this case, also." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, notes," he said. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body to affect your life." whole matter to your consideration." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk might help us?" not fit the lock." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs have established a very serious case against the son of the Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "'Yes.' There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "No. What a strange idea!" "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the three fields round his house, and there he would take his I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his perplexity from it to my illustrious client. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "Come in!" said he. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to fled together." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps a monotonous occupation." during which he might have communicated with his friend the clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, mysterious end." "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "You don't mind breaking the law?" locked. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little it." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a you in your example." sufficient punishment." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "Was she in good spirits?" weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some clanging. my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black outbreak?" central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or official police." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just weighed down with some great anxiety. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do you in yours." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "My Mary? Impossible!" of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "Nearly eleven." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders the little opening for the ventilator is." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father bears upon the case?" "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. waste of energy." in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, the dangers which encompass me." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the in a friendly supper." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." such attractions and accomplishments?' understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the all that?" "I will do it." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of think, you have already met." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves down. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some that I may have something better before very many minutes are whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "The doctor?" "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from cigars in the box." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. any." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up and prosperity to your house. Good-night." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington