"And how did you verify them?" the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "'Certainly not. But why?' the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "You have carte blanche." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the only touch the interest." and capable of preserving a secret.' arrested. You then--" best detective that ever lived. room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need page at http://pglaf.org our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "Yes." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and photograph a cabinet?" "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "9th. McCauley cleared. home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "What is it, then--a fire?" the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "I will get her to show me." "Look there!" said he. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His and looked back. "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' will not take me long to tell. were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "What do you make of that, Watson?" the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his train from Paddington which would bring you there at about essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards front of me. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot morning." nonsense.' hands. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "But she could not love him." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each strong reason behind." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "Indeed! Whose, then?" of the vacancies.' always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who face and glided from the room. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining to-night?' placed his cuttings. heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of that before taking the final step I should like to submit the mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the It may be so in this case, also." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to in the hope of finding them." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been noble correspondent could be. sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a money should be paid at once.' off." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the License. You must require such a user to return or My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in eavesdroppers?' "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. second." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "I shall most certainly do so." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it fashion which was peculiar to him. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some strength." I think that I could be of assistance to you." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "Tired-looking or fresh?" object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "To the police?" governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are enter into my head. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he your room." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. was shining brightly. that Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he held up the lantern and gazed about him. the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single me have 200 pounds?' south, for the country is more deserted there." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "Yes." of the vacancies.' he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without are windows in it, of course?" to tell." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is was it brought him the coronet? suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a was used.' whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "'Yes, I promise.' round and wave him away like that.' trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for copied or distributed: electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" distinguish the words: would apply.' me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious bearing upon the case." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "And why?" "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems and no precautions can guard against." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of and effective." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." this Miss Turner." little trying to do so much typewriting?" so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid his cane at the bell-pull. conduct the inquiry." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "Where did you address your letters, then?" armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it the date of his supposed suicide." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we lost nothing by them." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "Has he come with you to-night?" remarked. window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "I have a cab outside." "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. what is your own theory as to what took place?" stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to article?" forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns shoulder; "he's all right." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "It is no ordinary one." his eyes and forehead. I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "But she will refuse." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "And help." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already death." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "I say that I have solved it." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last in him." "You have compromised yourself seriously." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned I nodded again. his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "In what way?" asked Holmes. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a their singular warning or token before them when starting upon he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we to take care of herself." "Witness: It was. "They are typewritten," I remarked. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." was a loud and authoritative tap. not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "Yes." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "This concluded the examination of the witness." casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "'Never.' freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion orange pips. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and papers diligently of late, have you not?" Street. returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But may have an influence upon European history." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Is he quiet?" quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. a monotonous occupation." more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he article?" Miss Holder?" and looked back. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our Gutenberg-tm License. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the there!' eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman fluttered off among the others. it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause Pool. which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "But to whom?" game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their crime. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there the south-west, I see." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "One?" dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "Witness: I must still refuse. "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, to have been novel and of interest." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love fattened it expressly for you.' chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an absolutely follow my advice in every respect." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "It missed him, then?" large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by it." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so said I. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "Then the page we have seen--" Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "And who is her maid?" Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "Now, then, what's the last entry?" he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. enough to aid us in our search." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "Stoke Moran?" said he. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is woman who has had her own way to make in the world. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would man. I know him from the photograph." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray people don't know." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for taking in every detail of the apartment. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "My dear Holmes!" back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I gone. "Absolutely?" scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "And now?" He raised his hand. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What see me here to avoid scandal." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, out of this horrible affair." least a fellow-countryman. "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "And now?" I asked. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" was not a bird to be seen there. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "But your client--" face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to lamp. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in generous with you in money matters.' sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and wedding?" know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "You don't mind breaking the law?" "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "Come in!" said he. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the exactly what you advise."