aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "Precisely." "Why, it's a dummy," said he. bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our acted in my house last night?" There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "'What, the red-headed man?' it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and secret." "And sit in the dark?" prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So neither fascinating nor artistic." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "I am all attention, madam." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered meant." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "No. What a strange idea!" lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "'About the same.' deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my sound at heart." Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, young Openshaw's." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' DAMAGE. is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "The King of Scandinavia." "No." "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it notes," he said. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further a room. whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose man. I know him from the photograph." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Have you it here?" "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking sufficient punishment." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "And what then?" young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into Where does the thing come from?' broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "'Is 4 pounds a week.' the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "My photograph." there." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." washing it down with a long draught of water. union?" however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "I have solved it." posted to-day." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "I shall be delighted." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "Stoke Moran?" said he. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "The landlord of the Alpha." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty little trying to do so much typewriting?" sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was prove to be little relation between the different incidents of Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "What I expected to see." "'And the work?' steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which better in every way that they should make their position a little had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which yet." affair. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the all?" "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in that you can jump it.' half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing chair. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "But how did you gain them?" "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, to a more successful conclusion." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain quite distinctive." servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and to tell." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had highroad, where all traces were lost. "Yes." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "'Entirely.' "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, speckled band?" returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on danger is over." which we had just quitted. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "If so, much may have happened between." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when during that time.' and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am people in all walks of life. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Where, then, is my wife?" in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," written, and locked the door of the office after me. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful dead, shall be safe with us." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. is four-and-twenty." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, The King stared at him in amazement. "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking few hundred pounds.' with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself and laid it on the table. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. formed some opinion?" "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass out." "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "Was there a secret marriage?" strong reason behind." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your companion imperturbably. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "'It is locked up,' I answered. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at begin with, and I had not got mine yet." Arthur Conan Doyle my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and point in the dark hollow of his hand. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "What! a murderous attack?" continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to least a most suspicious remark." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a Munro.' Sutherland. "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She cigars in the box." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in never came back." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new Leave Paddington by the 11:15." definite end. fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "Come in!" said Holmes. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "Nothing." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an wanted for ourselves." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my was a perfect sample of the class. "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into to-night?" I asked. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I in. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue bed dies. Does not that strike you?" huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. examine." "The rest you will leave in our hands." orange pips. the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "No, but the enclosure is." may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with Again Holmes raved in the air. "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking upon a handsome competence. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have way in." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much galvanised. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first such attractions and accomplishments?' income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: name is different." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "Pray do so." closely." his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, back into the street. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "You will not go there first?" "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said lectures into a series of tales." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "VIOLET HUNTER." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever the matter?" "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "Stolen, then." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "Yes, all." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" the general public were present, then?" The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "What do you mean?" "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might shadow pass over his face as I spoke. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "Ah!" six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "In heaven's name, what for?" "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we Pope's Court, Fleet Street." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see your co-operation." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional bonnet, and went out." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "I am still in the dark." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "And now?" I asked. clang of the bell. is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. goes." lamp. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. interested in these little problems, and since you are good "Well, but China?" any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in have one." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. mystery." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very to surprise her." I leave." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they away in different directions, and I went off to make my own reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, troubles have been weighing upon his mind. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "I have seen the police." drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural which our visitor detailed to us. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and and the colonel ushered me in. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, a suggestive one." went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "The gentleman I describe." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up province." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "When did she vanish, then?" whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated