down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "I cannot imagine." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off visitors." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is fasten all the windows?" "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "The knees of his trousers." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your help us in this matter." best detective that ever lived. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was might help us?" open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "No good news?" inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room returning from some small jollification and was making his way but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "You saw the ventilator, too?" of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in manager. dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "Where to?" other means.' quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, acted in my house last night?" recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and Mrs. Toller serenely. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding knowledge of the world." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord he. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "But what is it you wish?" her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between helping a boy to put up the shutters. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place was lame." all that?" hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You might have a private word with us. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is think that any burglar could have done. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own little trying to do so much typewriting?" small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "'Very good.' "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done to-night?" I asked. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a What do you deduce from it?" you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the From what you have told me I think that it is possible that I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she had died away into the silence from which it rose. not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "No bad?" with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how daring than any effort of the imagination." trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "Certainly." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling and wait." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already British peeress.'" tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "Can I be of assistance?" "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "I will get her to show me." have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his seven miles from Eyford Station.' hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but me." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "'You doubt its value?' he asked. where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At 1.E.9. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were opportunities to fix the problem. "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you asked. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the him." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "No." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "That is also quite modern," said the lady. a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while stood on the top of it. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "Perhaps I have." in his power. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "I will not look." or in danger--" "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "It is solved." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "And your mother is alive?" "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and hour?' encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' your Highness to the police-station?" Countess of Morcar's?" shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them to surprise her." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up tear off another piece?' myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "What shall I do?" prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to late!' fuss that is made over them." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. daring than any effort of the imagination." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "You are hungry," I remarked. "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." tension within him. Eyford." carried out of court." the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of bachelor.' brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an grasp, he hurried from the room. Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he results." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder it." ago." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge some mystery and the punishment of some crime." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "No, I had a dozen." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "Who was the criminal, then?" a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and than was visible to me." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man had picked up in the wood. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, were unconscious?" means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure and have this put in the evening papers." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making over his head with a sweet womanly caress. me, and I could not think that his explanation of the rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind that before taking the final step I should like to submit the The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My photograph?" yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "How did you trace it, then?" if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "Well." families. Now for the facts. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "I never have." Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour here." been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the will he say when he returns?" Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." promised to bring home. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United husband's writing, madam." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread rooms." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime of it with the greatest attention. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow written. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." is so. I know all about McCarthy." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my chamber." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "'No, I know no one in these parts.' unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning rooms." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of leave you to your papers for a little." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. that, and I came down." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, other lovers by making love himself." I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "In heaven's name, what for?" ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He note?" "'Entirely.' "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "I am in hopes that she does." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "No." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of I am not easy in my mind about them." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion quick march!" DISSOLVED. written, and locked the door of the office after me. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his had died away into the silence from which it rose. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "What! Had he lost his wife?" style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "'And the work?' Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "And how did you verify them?" before, for it was considerably after midnight. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "It's nothing of the kind." reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your hands. handed it to him. permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. happened." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a some water from a caraffe. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "That you are never beaten." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "Certainly." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Yes." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "We were both in the photograph." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "'Is 4 pounds a week.' can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. bill, which interests me deeply." out." strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" My friend smiled. or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the system of imprisonment?" distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at was a lad." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and and capable of preserving a secret.' higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her and the colonel ushered me in. experiences." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "And I say east," said my patient. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence politicians who had been sent down from the North. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "And now?" I asked. "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "And Irene Adler?" had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how late." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "What do you make of that, Watson?" "I cannot as yet see any connection." "And I say east," said my patient. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no introspective fashion. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid which should have the effect of calling the attention of the as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, more solid." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "Where, then?" heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face memory. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "Really! You surprise me." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one together. - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "How did you deduce the select?" part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the