perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a envelope. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the 'please.'" "To ruin me." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the should be so warm over such a trifle." stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and client, rising. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not to tell." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in some terrible trap for her." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in my little problems." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "What of the rat, then?" relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was national property. I was determined that the law should have its dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Then how many are there?" registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram residence of the great financier. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose are, and they are waiting for us." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis had this final quarrel? Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "It is possible." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "And for present expenses?" speckled band?" "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "'Oh, no.' me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "I am following you closely," I answered. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, before, for it was considerably after midnight. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me kindly on the shoulder. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment his eyes and forehead. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door himself to tell his story. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "What! You do not mean bodies?" Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any intrusion of other matters." crowd. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw acquaintance?" "I was sure that I might rely on you." glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "We must have a cab." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally few hundred pounds.' "Witness: I must still refuse. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of husband's writing, madam." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "Could he throw no light?" "Won't it ring?" most interesting one." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in was lame." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if Street. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch remarked. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the following enigmatical notices: "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a which we had just quitted. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is with the outside air!" south, for the country is more deserted there." have an American origin." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty and wait." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger the so-precious time, but come!' them?" "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. bell. Holmes whistled. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a certainly not very gracious." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but Young McCarthy must be got off, however." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "None." face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with burst into a hearty fit of laughter. weighed down with some great anxiety. "Never." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" any little problem which you may submit to me." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "I am to be neutral?" to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "I think it very unlikely." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my nothing with him." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. read over the extraordinary announcement. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "It was." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from Pope's Court, Fleet Street." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I arrangements." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "Yes, he did." him." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his evidence," I remarked. that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "We have tried and failed." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would least a fellow-countryman. ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new bird of prey. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that breakfast?" closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as you." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "Not social, then?" and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of is entirely a question of barometric pressure." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "At half-wages, in fact." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "Did you observe the colour?" "I am in hopes that she does." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "'Entirely.' "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all happened." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client Pool. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to flock.' some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the you." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "And how?" and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little pierced for earrings?" There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned this unhappy family?" monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in Mrs. Toller serenely. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was any." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his upon the white wrist. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the Pope's Court, Fleet Street." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." detective. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was 1.F. "Pray do so." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "I am to be neutral?" can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. knowledge of the world." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler despaired of." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the and have this put in the evening papers." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "How many? I don't know." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a heavily into it. so far?" which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. will not take me long to tell. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him quite distinctive." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. he bowed and left the room without another word. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting to talk it over. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Yes." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found know that the truth is known." "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew said he at last. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought outside. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "I have hopes." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "And how did he make his money?" severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" bird I ate is country bred." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I some terrible trap for her." them?" were unconscious?" "That is possible." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke little trying to do so much typewriting?" this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their your troubles." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "When did it break out?" was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "I see many objections to any such theory." of the vacancies.' "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about indeed which he could not unravel. reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, Eyford." legal crime." official police." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it conceal it?" strange features which were associated with the two crimes which wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "Very. But will he see it?" qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter not personally threatened." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking him and tried to hold him back. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "Yes, sir." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and possible that we could bring him back to her? down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right his eyes and forehead. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in you do it in twenty minutes!' "Not him." desk. see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these he died? there!' It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "Well, but China?" of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and chance at all." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?"