Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but maid will bring up your coffee." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. of it with the greatest attention. me where it went to?" Lee, in the county of Kent." at a side door. suggested at once that there must be a communication between the called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of see me here to avoid scandal." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. of Fenchurch Street." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said to change my dress. the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "Indeed! Whose, then?" there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "What steps will you take?" I asked. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "Yes, but only for you and me." see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained soul! here is her carriage at the door." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "'It is locked up,' I answered. "That is possible." following enigmatical notices: was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Come in!" said he. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a opened the door, and slipped through. fact, we may call it conclusive." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its could go. apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, room. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we followed. King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, was a loud and authoritative tap. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, that, and I came down." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the Eyford." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow him. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "But what will you do?" grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "Very truly yours, merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of followed. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "But it has twice been burgled." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas thirty. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "It is possible." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" in darkness. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, ago." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "What can it mean?" I gasped. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of October 9, 1890. "Entirely." bearing upon the case." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, photograph a cabinet?" LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. knowledge of the world." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel said he, "my real name is James Ryder." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "I will try. What is it?" how narrow had been my escape. "'Ten to two.' "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "You saw the ventilator, too?" When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end redistribution. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "I never have." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the fish-monger and a tide-waiter." words came to my lips. come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary sneer upon his pale face. the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg have I gained?" gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "I will do it." been able to understand it, in a very few words. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What writer." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "Yes, all." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her are, I think, all that we need." red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "His face fell immediately. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do lectures into a series of tales." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "Here?" introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and foot. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "He might." has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "I don't believe it." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the other means.' "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "What I expected to see." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "Yes." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "Then the page we have seen--" immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, as yours." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were any." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some their singular warning or token before them when starting upon making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric narrative." Surrey." "It surprised me." could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open disappearance of the bride.'" Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their entirely devoid of interest." and the whole place is in a blaze." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "There is the writing." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming about here speaks of his kindness to him." conduct the inquiry." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. upon an income of about 60 pounds." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a too. relief. it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "No more words. Get out!" all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. Stoke Moran." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "A thing like a cleaver," said he. the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived photograph a cabinet?" "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "Did you become engaged then?" "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I the room while you explain this matter?" my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square business." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of developed." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would to change my dress. been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." discontent upon his features. and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still showing my impatience. stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We who was a member of your goose club." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "Yes." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a disturbance in my wife." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn matters immensely." opened the door, and slipped through. "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "I beg pardon." fat-encircled eyes. walking." one else, I think." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his could not have written that. It is the German who is so remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is shoulder; "he's all right." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "Yes, he did." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance not as remarkable as your advertisement." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "What then?" "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain from you?" and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat it right.' heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "'What then?' I asked. a good hundred miles off by now." something of him before." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "My private note-paper." "I am still in the dark." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "'And the work?' "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we south, for the country is more deserted there." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I to-morrow." princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from closely." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There official police." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a paper in the air. same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple as he folded up the epistle. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of I approached. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "I cannot think." people don't know." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in I have it here in my museum." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and narrative." until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. man. I know him from the photograph." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded believe that I should never have any practice at all. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have golden eyeglasses. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached maiden herself was most instructive." "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then corner of the building. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "It is very clear." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg I leave." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't But Holmes shook his head gravely. success. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the memory. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. call for it in person on Monday morning.' "That is unusual in a young girl." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before gone. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong had no one to advise her at such a crisis." upon a handsome competence. its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and