know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of stalked out of the room. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the arms and began to sob in a high treble key. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It purpose equally well?" transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and whole matter to your consideration." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "10th. John Swain cleared. down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it experiences." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given the inner apartment." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could page at http://pglaf.org Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his furiously. to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "And did you observe any change in her then?" dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it her also." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before fish-monger and a tide-waiter." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "I shall be delighted." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an or in danger--" The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for excitement. from you?" down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, dear old homesteads?" "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until clanging. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "This photograph!" "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the know all about it," he snarled. "Really! You surprise me." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and tell him that I know him to be innocent." give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "Nothing." hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. residence of the great financier. neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "Yes." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would of the vacancies.' agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. which are rolled in Rotterdam." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done girl said." "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it seen the man in the road." absorbing." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, father's place of business?" framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it already referred to. bed dies. Does not that strike you?" from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." relief. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with nice household for a young lady." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "So I am. Very much so." entirely devoid of interest." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last Leadenhall Street--and--" horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of and inquire as to the address." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all companion. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "But your client--" "It is half-past ten now." "Then you may be so with me." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "I will get her to show me." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm over his head with a sweet womanly caress. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "I should be immensely obliged to you." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "That you are never beaten." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "Yes, I have one waiting." preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently of the efforts of the United States government and of the better his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly wanted for ourselves." "Very murderous indeed." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for off." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate ordinary clothes on?" by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "Why did you pick him?" information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael lost his Christmas dinner." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he people don't know." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "I cannot imagine." "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out gives a meaning to it." is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with charge against him will break down." salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls made his money." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon are windows in it, of course?" "It must be recovered." and a shock of very red hair. had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went the Assizes." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "'What would be the hours?' I asked. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the to a more successful conclusion." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have down in his armchair and closing his eyes. the Red-headed League." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for it were putty." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how hour." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with see a sister of mine apply for." "'Ample.' death." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as answer." "Yes." visitors." table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very said he. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of of fine shops and stately business premises that they really it." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle his fortune, and I went back to pa. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. interests were the same as his." before, for it was considerably after midnight. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. me. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this But Holmes shook his head gravely. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a Mrs. Toller serenely. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the way: money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." October 9, 1890. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you paper in the air. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought might help us?" home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and at my remark. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was to a light-house. which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the occupations.' remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been to talk it over. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was whether it answered to the description of any of their the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt instincts rose up against that laugh. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. and the colonel ushered me in. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change swore that no one else had been in the front room during the success. your billet.' have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "Yes, it would be as well." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich fuss that is made over them." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for get her out of the way." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the strength in the others." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "Well, but China?" inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "Yes." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute the best of training." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "When did she vanish, then?" me where it went to?" "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple are, I think, all that we need." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my directors, with the result that you have seen." dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." dramatic, in fact." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who interest. They are important, you understand, without being down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a happened." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "So it appears." "They are typewritten," I remarked. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His down from London to inquire more deeply into it." once more for Briony Lodge. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer with some details as to your case." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "'Yes, sir.' concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the upon an income of about 60 pounds." "Your presence might be invaluable." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "But I am all in the dark." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to said I. result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a over with notes and figures. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards held up the lantern and gazed about him. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and