elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at ventilator." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "You did not overhear what they said?" I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father that threaten you." august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us rat could hardly pass through." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this purpose of examination. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a the night.' even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, nothing of it?" which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible any more." America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' the address that was given us in the advertisement. deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of think that he is innocent?" process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I returned to France?" blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as call you and give you the chance." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before Cross for the Continent." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared nights." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and these bleak autumnal evenings." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to started for the Temple to see my husband. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "Here?" the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to official police." down. might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "You think so, too?" reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for the coronet in his hands?" Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Not yet." "'Quite sure, dad.' "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. other means.' down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "It is possible." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "None." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "I think it very unlikely." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" locked." whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, IS examine." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from once more. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Married! When?" remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was province." When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "Of what day?" fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "Why, it's a dummy," said he. distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, considering the formidable letters which were received by himself other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no it. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." Mrs. Toller serenely. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in electronic works age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most I shall continue with my miserable story. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "How did that help you?" will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "Do you know him?" submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as again on its way. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had fait accompli?" understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of not come at once?" "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by tied." "Yes, all." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of affair. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, families. Now for the facts. me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by speckled band?" really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." undoubtedly my uncle's." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and union?" my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "Get out!" said he. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "Her father is very rich?" Clair, of Lee." his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "Yes, certainly." matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "Oh, yes, easily." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps not use it unless it is absolutely needed." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence could go. cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no the inquest, and which are worth considering." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an lumber-room." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most bears upon the case?" willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon a very grave face. but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to true." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "'Is 4 pounds a week.' which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "'In my own bureau.' devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey he. "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped entirely lost his self-respect." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms then?" "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the crowd. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. you in yours." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor followed. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an think that any burglar could have done. to me. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots thin legs towards the fire. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some keep the flames under. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered name is different." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do face and glided from the room. call the police, let the police find what they can.' overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I your most interesting statement." attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had second window is the one that I jumped from." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "That also I could fathom." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a straighten it?" 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets not, dad?" she asked. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was 'please.'" sneer upon his pale face. black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "In answer to an advertisement." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" plantation.' deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and pity, because in other respects you would really have done very As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a said Mr. Holder. "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a conversation I have gathered that they have been married about told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' him, that man would not have given me such complete information "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when the ceiling. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "No sign of it?" Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "By no means." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "Not in a good cause." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which 11:15.' firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not thin, with a long, sharp nose?" assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to begun to whiten, even as mine has." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My lamp in his hand. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and coroner's jury." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of present." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "It's nothing of the kind." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "'Certainly not. But why?' manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "None." You want to know what became of those geese?" over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "Not social, then?" utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "Dirty?" up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "Was there a secret marriage?" has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." investigation." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "Only as much as we can deduce." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "None." I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." points to suicide?" presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "What have you to say now?" Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "But how will you look?" Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, it with his own hands." fact, we may call it conclusive." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other his face. Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "I will, Miss Turner." me upon any point which I do not make clear." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "Well?" may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. may never be exposed to such a temptation." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but your Highness to the police-station?" "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line of this gang." fatally injured? the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in were new raised from a basin. bill, which interests me deeply." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "Perhaps I have." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. even of instruction." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows strode off upon his way. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke