in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will behind me. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, with frightened eyes at his accuser. "At the wedding breakfast." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "Could he throw no light?" consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, him and tried to hold him back. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who tell me that you intended to go into harness." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, strange features which were associated with the two crimes which in darkness. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "Not in the least." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and said he. that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "Ah, but I was recommended to you." him, that man would not have given me such complete information papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents entirely devoid of interest." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek our word." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "I have seen the police." said he. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as one or two very singular points about this room. For example, the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a strength of mind to control. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "What then?" That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "A confidential servant?" any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "How about poison?" "Not particularly." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, you understand?" "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his gone. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." of this gang." "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "You will not go there first?" your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and your billet.' as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "I cannot imagine." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my letters?" Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his But Holmes shook his head gravely. back into the street. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "'Oh, no.' was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." Mary, has deserted me." was a lad." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "What then?" he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, there has been an enclosure here!" Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may better grown goose." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "'Very good.' "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say it." introspective fashion. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "Do you know him?" fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" where she found matters as described by the last witness. "And on what day did he meet his death?" platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular interest. They are important, you understand, without being "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell you." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE assist you in forming an opinion." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and writing, and yet I know it well." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "What can it mean?" I gasped. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. ventilator." "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "When did she vanish, then?" drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the companion imperturbably. house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a occurred." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He I shall communicate with you." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "Pray do so." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the returned to France?" "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black said he. actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "I will do it." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you been with you?" man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had constraint." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of said he. which was all perfectly true. But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "Were they all fastened this morning?" out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was late." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had this unhappy family?" him to go away.' there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "'About the same.' front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but views." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "Very well, sir. And this stone?" suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "Yes." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else cost them two and thirty pounds." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was telegram would bring me down to your help." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the the window, rose as we entered. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to and wait." screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "You are all wrong." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it I nodded to show that I had heard. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly made him keep the appointment." "You have carte blanche." "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that himself to hunt down. "You have the photograph?" value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again narrative." that you saw all that I did." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "Where, indeed?" "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own Pope's Court, Fleet Street." time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some against a man in the prime of life?" the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "And how did you find out?" quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the plantation.' morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the in your London, you will know that the office of the company is He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one outbreak?" Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "But I have heard all that you have heard." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "By all means." there in twenty minutes." II. digesting their breakfasts at home." money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "'Yes, sir.' Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "My Mary? Impossible!" against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle fuss that is made over them." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. fait accompli?" "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "I will try. What is it?" "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a clang of the bell. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "Awake, Watson?" he asked. over his head with a sweet womanly caress. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never nothing with him." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "Yes, it would be as well." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "Yes, there are nearly always some there." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "How on earth--" "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which for and were ordered to this address. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." some city in a dream. "That is unusual in a young girl." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "Frequently." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the your co-operation." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "'What would be the hours?' I asked. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "That also I could fathom." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. You want to know what became of those geese?" something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of that "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good them?" lamp in his hand. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman closing the door. observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few husband's writing, madam." woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man McCarthy." Pope's Court. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "Holmes, the busybody!" as this. Pray let me have the details." should be taken.' "Yes, sir." Street. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock at home. his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his was it brought him the coronet? and I shall be with you presently." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "And I." strong and stiff." residence of the great financier. conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, brought there to personate someone, and the real person is the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Very. But will he see it?" wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I answered with a sidelong glance. had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "Won't it ring?" eavesdroppers?' out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she McCarthy's innocence. "9th. McCauley cleared. smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "Your French gold?" America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his get her out of the way." dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the him to be an active member of the medical profession." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of British peeress.'" Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which observed. mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "I have seen the police." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, how narrow had been my escape. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a detained." "And who is her maid?" "Did you become engaged then?" the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face,