"God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of about. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, eat it." "May I see it?" chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "Your sister is dead, then?" deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "In answer to an advertisement." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "Why serious?" "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning signal between you and your father? over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "Pray tell us what has happened to you." formed some opinion?" window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to it. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a read over the extraordinary announcement. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of helping a boy to put up the shutters. Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell is a common subject for conversation. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some presume?" "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a results." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and morning." prison!" never will be, entirely cleared up. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little crime." Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of as yours." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "I cannot think." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco thought that she would have been so carried away." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. it." perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "Yes, I have one waiting." his knees, staring into the fire. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret the tragedy. streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. for the market.' my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my hard-headed British jury." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My figure." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You thought that she would have been so carried away." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate could not account in any way for the presence of the missing conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself crowd. "So I am. Very much so." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Absolutely?" secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "I cannot say that I have." upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to salesman. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal them?" "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said acquaintance?" while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "Frequently." away to you." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "Here?" reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to Miss Holder?" "No, distinctly professional." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "Has he come with you to-night?" and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has Cross for the Continent." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "Two days later this same performance was gone through under went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "Then the page we have seen--" quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, leaning back in his chair. "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture Street. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a matter." system of imprisonment?" cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my foot. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our Leave Paddington by the 11:15." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he might help us?" association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' affair. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers it? Did I buy the geese off you?" entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "The best possible." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the hurried away. Henry Baker is a member." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of of." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which them, and came down just as you departed. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with introspective fashion. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" for and were ordered to this address. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide tell them apart.' suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do singular points about the case. What did the police think of the someone who had been in Australia." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Not yet." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence hopeless attempt at recovering them." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking formed some opinion?" few hundred pounds.' not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "From his hat?" "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "What do you mean?" "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding again on its way. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "'Entirely.' taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood in his hands." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside and wait." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back straightened it out again. "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of Mrs. Toller serenely. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. outside." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "'And what are they worth?' I asked. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and have got?" of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after must be when I saw the door open.' something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "'And the work?' were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than walking." presume?" very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "You know me, then?" "Stolen, then." green of the new foliage. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such woven round him. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "Perhaps I have." "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate bonnet, and went out." garden below. she slowly sank and died without having recovered her outsides of the windows. may have an influence upon European history." was feeling which was the fattest.' will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at relief. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the affection." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend on re-entering her father's house?" honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged maiden herself was most instructive." been." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "Tired-looking or fresh?" first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which that there was nothing in it, after all." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the bill, which interests me deeply." corner of the building. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing writing, and yet I know it well." up this clue while it is still hot." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. tightly behind him. have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have that he will be back before evening." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband call it cruel." glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "To ruin me." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and Miss Holder?" the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your ourselves in the office." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and than was visible to me." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "'Where could I find him?' Sholtos." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington paper in the air. continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at some water from a caraffe. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom strength of mind to control. is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and have one." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united is four-and-twenty." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows test if we have an answer to our advertisement." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "There is the writing." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who murdered man." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "What!" he roared. the very letters. But what is this written above them?' them, and came down just as you departed. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "But what harm can there be in that?" he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "Where did you address your letters, then?" "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle is worth.' doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts purpose of examination. "My dear Holmes!" about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then