of the one which your family is now devouring." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever It may be so in this case, also." coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in to-morrow." "Entirely." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining touch that coronet?' is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a chance." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "It's nothing of the kind." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." that before taking the final step I should like to submit the hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen has little to do with my story." fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" get her out of the way." about here speaks of his kindness to him." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was easy-going way." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "A greater distance to travel." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "And the cigar-holder?" "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most unprecedented a position." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the must be when I saw the door open.' would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything problems help me to do so." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made fishes. "Yes." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to for securing the situation." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a letters?" father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "Yes." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police society." "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This the nursery. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned because she had spent so short a time in this country that she brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will matter." "Did your wife hear all this?" one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "Dr. Becher's." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "Won't it ring?" analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Nothing?" ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." and your relations to her." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" even of instruction." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which cup of tea. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "The vanishing of the lady." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "Yes, from Horsham." "Was there a secret marriage?" "Your French gold?" recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an them?" have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. was keenly on my guard against him. "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." goes." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a to surprise her." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "Then you may entirely rely on me." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "'And the work?' which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, her also." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "By train from Waterloo." a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. ready to-morrow?' 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "I have my revolver," said I. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he troubles have been weighing upon his mind. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through spare." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "10th. John Swain cleared. "Ah!" teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." politicians who had been sent down from the North. contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of hurried by. Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite case before our client came into the room." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "What do you mean?" himself. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have few hundred pounds.' "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. his fortune, and I went back to pa. considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a woman who has had her own way to make in the world. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "Very well, sir. And this stone?" sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and business." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness lips." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, the child." James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "He might." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the overpowering excitement and concern. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are have an American origin." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the or other trace. But how on earth--" in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "Dr. Becher's." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "Dark enough and sinister enough." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had train.' in the dead of the night?' "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not be.' watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "I should wish to." that he will be back before evening." "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "'About the same.' "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own stalked out of the room. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a Holmes rather sternly. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson fait accompli?" enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the bird I ate is country bred." a room. "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but security.' is," said he presently: deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I behind me. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "No sign of it?" it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call closely." offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six forecastle of an emigrant ship. reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "That you are never beaten." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss look dissatisfied." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be my former friend and companion. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to your room." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "Yes." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down it." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. What do you deduce from it?" work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried the window, rose as we entered. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." advice." Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, letters?" "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "By train from Waterloo." to arrive at through this?" derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or have established a very serious case against the son of the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but with you?" of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' subject to the trademark license, especially commercial Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very paper in the air. You want to know what became of those geese?" since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in I shall continue with my miserable story. "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I know all about it," he snarled. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "But we can't all be." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser to have that photograph." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm in darkness. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Did he not advertise?" he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. goes." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my the child." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no likely to be some crony of the landlady's." other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy and shall probably return to London by the evening train." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE said he at last. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his detective. thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do considering the formidable letters which were received by himself was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "Can I be of assistance?" of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the that there was nothing in it, after all." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were in him." to his chemical studies. new acquaintance to Baker Street. 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "But I have heard all that you have heard." spare." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, room?" three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been weighed down with some great anxiety. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "We were both in the photograph." dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I business." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." be.' staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." in my life." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "I was certainly surprised to find you there." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "In what way?" asked Holmes. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, detective. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "I cannot say that I have." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to affection." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and the iron safe, which he closed upon it. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend dates and names. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad dates and names. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "Married! When?" A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "Pray do so." legal crime." public press." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from to me. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the think that any burglar could have done. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers these bleak autumnal evenings." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall