"Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "Only as much as we can deduce." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "She told me to ask you." the devil!" in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number and laid it on the table. fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my been lifted and conveyed somewhere." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "The landlord of the Alpha." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. off." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. observed. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "In heaven's name, what for?" began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two advice." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common your equipment. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "An accident, I presume?" door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One are windows in it, of course?" an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' into the room. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated very peculiar words of the dying woman?" at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." entirely lost his self-respect." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how to have that photograph." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" the King without delay." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "But how?" "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to his eyes and forehead. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help retorted upon me, and I on you." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were right! Sit down and let us talk it over." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the vague figure huddled up in the darkness. isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed was lame." do.' were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by shall not find me ungrateful." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking locked. from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that there when the Rucastles went away." room?" to have been novel and of interest." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that did not hear it also.' end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." was used.' round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I and capable of preserving a secret.' them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All congratulate you again." photograph?" and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, You want to know what became of those geese?" careless servant girl?" and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with the child." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the heavily into it. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons you want, then?' knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "And I." offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of your only hope of safety." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting whatever might befall. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "It is solved." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "Very well, sir. And this stone?" should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "On your arm?" with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here developed." screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "I cannot imagine." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He garden below. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at the running down." resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to writer." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out a suggestive one." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "No, I am descending." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Do you go out much in society?" "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "Precisely." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "A call for help, you thought?" I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to 'please.'" do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate a very grave face. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them to take care of herself." servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship thought that she would have been so carried away." extraordinary contortions. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared yards of it?' The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "I cannot as yet see any connection." anything to do with the matter?" cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "The knees of his trousers." during which he might have communicated with his friend the "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "But I have heard all that you have heard." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the get the tickets." "By all means." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "I am about to be married." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "Really! You surprise me." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson photograph?" of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute notes," he said. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many posted to-day." first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "The gentleman I describe." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your simple cases which are so extremely difficult." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' have established a very serious case against the son of the it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had your most interesting statement." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have happened." take the flies, but not before." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three Chief Executive and Director nothing of it?" the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." without a word or a look. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who may have an influence upon European history." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still thin, with a long, sharp nose?" about. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "I have my revolver," said I. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "In San Francisco, a year ago." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed other lovers by making love himself." with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "Not yet." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "Entirely." "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "'Yes, sir.' "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's present." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "How about poison?" myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. humiliation." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "'I shall certainly be there.' into her hand at the door and which lured her within their the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can that before taking the final step I should like to submit the the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to crime." servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing was a lad." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the in one or two places in England?' can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be think that he is innocent?" "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "Where is it, then?" hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "Your French gold?" The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, with frightened eyes at his accuser. the one as in the other." end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the shall not find me ungrateful." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could other lovers by making love himself." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, noble correspondent could be. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock vault. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right away in different directions, and I went off to make my own congenial hunt. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "But not more so than I to find you." interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in The note was undated, and without either signature or address. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than of." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the hopeless attempt at recovering them." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "But how did you gain them?" "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "Why serious?" is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too is four-and-twenty." "I cannot think." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "Where, then?" gives a meaning to it." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a companion quietly. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. public press." music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not case-book, which he consulted. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, weapon." paper in the air. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which throat." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "Of what day?" concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "My Mary? Impossible!" "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the awaited us upon the table. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. individual and becomes the badge of a society." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold your bag." came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "How often?" such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--'