informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "Perhaps we may make them less so." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something guilty one." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "Have you her photograph?" yards of it?' Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." will be renamed. Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, know what is wrong with it.' The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth the matter?" will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the comes from the middle window." "'Which dealer's?' "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both digesting their breakfasts at home." "What!" he roared. he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was too. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" answered with a sidelong glance. could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly fattened it expressly for you.' "What will you do, then?" Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door points to suicide?" "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own just ask you whether you had heard it.' providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and lamp in his hand. Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every directors, with the result that you have seen." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, directly by questioning you." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "She will not sell." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "We have tried and failed." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "And is that all?" in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "Yes. He waved his hands." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that read over the extraordinary announcement. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "Where to?" cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with absorbing." "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the helping a boy to put up the shutters. send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It and put his glass in his pocket. permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done mysterious business." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "It was." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we feature." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as something of him before." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain yourselves in at night?" Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" signal between you and your father? looking up at the numbers of the houses." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "About a month then." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "'Never.' one which it was hard to resist. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on the dangers which encompass me." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "But she will refuse." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any and all of them with the keenest interest. bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "Then, how do you know?" A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the that I may have something better before very many minutes are "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "You'll never persuade me to believe that." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, the salesman. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "And what did you learn from him?" you in your example." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the British peeress.'" kindly on the shoulder. "By all means." have been better. It is all right." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among towards the blaze. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George your own bird, so if you wish--" and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': ways of our fellow-men." eat it." "But not more so than I to find you." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The read it out to me." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "You are all wrong." "Entirely." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "No good news?" gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" details." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My nothing of it?" away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and fatally injured? gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My legal crime." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle golden eyeglasses. disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "I have hopes." "I shall most certainly do so." heavily into it. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." ventilator." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with you found me to-night--and running through the front room she empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her me, and I could not think that his explanation of the ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in right! Sit down and let us talk it over." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." mystery." red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right perplexity from it to my illustrious client. just ask you whether you had heard it.' "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from forehead. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "Yes, from Horsham." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old to-night." "Entirely." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A enter into my head. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it excitement. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." the coronet at all injured?" himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. other, as fresh and trim as possible. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a that I may have something better before very many minutes are morning." matters immensely." it right.' though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his fishes. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Then you may be so with me." shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with vault. not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would way in everything. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up such person." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in him to be an active member of the medical profession." and your relations to her." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "And you thought he was pulled back?" temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "But to whom?" opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the him. "Absolutely?" "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four Edgeware Road. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. absorbing." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small back into the street. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "What! You do not mean bodies?" overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. remarked. "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading you in yours." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second not, dad?" she asked. tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and shag which I had seen upon the previous night. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was at home. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress the inner apartment." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "Look there!" said he. look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go nothing with him." "You were travelling in the States?" that he has suffered." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is directors have had misgivings upon the subject." not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "Will you bet, then?" to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "Where is it, then?" Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "You think so, too?" be there in time for your coming." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a you." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I approach us with offers to donate. This is what he says: occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "It is his hat." "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "You have it, sir, just as it happened." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had I have it here in my museum." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three appeal." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "I have seen the police." which our visitor detailed to us. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. just called myself is not exactly my own." eat it." "But what harm can there be in that?" "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single have I gained?" "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life face and glided from the room. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "How about poison?" "A call for help, you thought?" year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the without a word or a look. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in crackling voice. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really vault. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "'Stolen!' he cried. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "I will, Miss Turner." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "Then you may be so with me." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for DAMAGE. opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. His name is Francis Prosper." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very jewels which you have stolen?' The King stared at him in amazement. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from been able to understand it, in a very few words. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he gone. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I the driver. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "A greater distance to travel." "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of said he. jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the place, I think that there is good ground to think that the carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of weary and pale-looking. moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared these bleak autumnal evenings." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a British peeress.'" He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his constraint." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to of." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was you, my dear young lady?' "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "Well, but China?" "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "No good news?" Holmes' room. through." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little