have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "That's no good." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I during that time.' man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "Why, what do you mean?" name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal the inquest, and which are worth considering." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all question," said Holmes, smiling. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the 1.E.9. is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE where Mr. Fordham shows you.' until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. electronic works together. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we to change my dress. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." indeed happy." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "I will, Miss Turner." I shall continue with my miserable story. to me. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little his wife has ceased to love him." dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "To an English lawyer named Norton." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to so.' immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement it with his own hands." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after undoubtedly my uncle's." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & and no precautions can guard against." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own highroad, where all traces were lost. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "The rest you will leave in our hands." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "And leave your case unfinished?" second window is the one that I jumped from." Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to the south-west, I see." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his do you make of it all?" "What I expected to see." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely everything which you would wish to know." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence recover the gem." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "I was certainly surprised to find you there." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "ARAT," I read. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "No, my brougham is waiting." are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "You know me, then?" it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "VIOLET HUNTER." creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered the iron safe, which he closed upon it. the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "'You cannot say what it was?' signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "'No, I know no one in these parts.' very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and upon an income of about 60 pounds." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the own family. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I himself in a perplexing position. furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." burst out into a roar of laughter. sparkled upon his finger. enter Dr. Roylott's room." bell. Holmes whistled. fatally injured? from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying place, I think that there is good ground to think that the return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "To ruin me." trifles." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed goes." only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "I assure you that I am in your hands." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the galvanised. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "In San Francisco, a year ago." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "How long did she speak to this Alice?" theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all detective. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK for its centre. a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "None." she to prove their authenticity?" not come at once?" though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "What! a murderous attack?" iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court directly by questioning you." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other bonnet, and went out." "She walked into the breakfast-room." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than remarked. chair. deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "Absolutely none." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular said I. yet." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right cup of tea. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "'What would be the hours?' I asked. go from here to the Strand." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want triumphant cloud from his cigarette. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter posted to-day." attention." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. to change my dress. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "None." "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather some terrible trap for her." destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into strength." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see relief. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but direction." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and not personally threatened." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him Sutherland?" prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "Yes, that is the Crown." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very advice." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "At half-wages, in fact." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, row." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "'Why that?' I asks. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the during that time.' "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem so.' five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one fact, we may call it conclusive." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank promised to bring home. him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. answered with a sidelong glance. provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for tear off another piece?' to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The in a friendly supper." indiscretion." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "To the police?" better grown goose." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "Why? What do you mean?" a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "And you can do nothing until then?" surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given crackling voice. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. woven round him. and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. union?" upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are electronic works "Who by?" it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' are windows in it, of course?" "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you overpowering excitement and concern. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "You have but to name it." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "And how did you verify them?" one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. Holmes' room. it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with his grey eyes. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "How did you deduce the select?" could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "Did you observe the colour?" "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "You horrify me!" "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." with you alone." "But what harm can there be in that?" the nursery. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' and a shock of very red hair. appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the new acquaintance to Baker Street. narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture test if we have an answer to our advertisement." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency breakfast and whispered something to her husband. hour?' something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "But you would not advise me to refuse?" with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "I would give my fortune to have them back." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your such attractions and accomplishments?' by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "Come in!" said Holmes. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "And now?" He raised his hand. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which evidence," I remarked. "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us.