found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I that he will be back before evening." to miss it." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way congenial hunt. "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, mystery." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he upon the shelf for the interim." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "And you thought he was pulled back?" "It is very clear." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he corner of the building. closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but the morning and make my own way in the world.' correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular had died away into the silence from which it rose. Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "Never." itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that joking. the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." the south-west, I see." Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "No, finished." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young God! What an exposure! What can I do?" both be extremely obliged.' He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We tail." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "That you are never beaten." "Yes." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "No, but the enclosure is." "And how in the world did you find them?" but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back kindly on the shoulder. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "Nothing?" "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which allusion to a rat. bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "Come in!" said Holmes. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation Edgeware Road. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with Edgeware Road. long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If will take you up to see the machine.' "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, of it with the greatest attention. successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you and prosperity to your house. Good-night." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "I was afraid that you were engaged." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "I have a cab outside." "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in with you alone." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs The telegram which we eventually received came late one night client, rising. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "I do." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "Her father is very rich?" be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in with her." hard-headed British jury." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "So it appears." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "I never have." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found 'please.'" "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "But what is it you wish?" we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "But the mystery?" drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of and it need not interfere very much with one's other endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "Then you may entirely rely on me." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one right! Sit down and let us talk it over." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "Where did he live, then?" "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for was not a bird to be seen there. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do case-book, which he consulted. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of friend's singular character. "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry seen the man in the road." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "I guessed as much." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "Do you know him?" the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a States. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a to-morrow." at my remark. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John fashion which was peculiar to him. "But you were on a friendly footing?" "Come in!" said he. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "I am still in the dark." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the sofa. This way, please!" triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking business matters.' together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "'No, I know no one in these parts.' was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards yards of it?' McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." to-night?" I asked. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. at a side door. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth gone before you can get him to hospital." hard-headed British jury." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." imbecility!" he cried. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "'How far from the body?' "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter until night should bring an explanation. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same guilty one." point in the dark hollow of his hand. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. to tackle the facts." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' returning from some small jollification and was making his way your sleep?' given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works Holmes. clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "What, then?" overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "And how have you succeeded?" registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his public press." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my way in everything. "'I shall certainly be there.' Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and families. Now for the facts. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "You are certainly joking, Holmes." be there in time for your coming." connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "What then?" "But I have heard all that you have heard." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "Game for a morning drive?" accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to assist you in forming an opinion." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. writer." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of that, and I came down." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove the little opening for the ventilator is." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "My private note-paper." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "The knees of his trousers." terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Yes, I have one waiting." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' crackling voice. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "That also I could fathom." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes meant." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in question," said Holmes, smiling. had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had think that any burglar could have done. digesting their breakfasts at home." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "And now?" He raised his hand. Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as back alive. "Never." grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "No." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "You have compromised yourself seriously." "You are all wrong." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." might have a private word with us. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six without success. At last the little money which I had saved began the ceiling. do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose chemical work which was so dear to him. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, annoyance, but no jest. he bowed and left the room without another word. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "Deserted you?" need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any more solid." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "The Coroner: What do you mean? wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "I think that it is very probable." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "Not I." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our new acquaintance to Baker Street. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "'Yes.' Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "Whose house is it?" six. Come in!" is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross south, for the country is more deserted there." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink be.' against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. shall not find me ungrateful." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "Stoke Moran?" said he. disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had go from here to the Strand." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "What of the rat, then?" "Yes." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "From his hat?" yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "But what will you do?" of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three several quiet little villages up there." him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it sentimental considerations in the background which would induce bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, colour had been driven from his face. said he, "my real name is James Ryder." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in not as remarkable as your advertisement." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" charge against him will break down." "If so, much may have happened between." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "What are they?" "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady up this clue while it is still hot." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no and put his glass in his pocket. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had ways of our fellow-men." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt shall use the carriage to-night." really the only notable feature about the thing." With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "He said that you could solve anything." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready case-book, which he consulted. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a present strange and interesting features that it is no easy peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is leaning back in his chair. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe himself to hunt down. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he companion quietly. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and showing my impatience. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he there was no need for father to know." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case young Openshaw's." "On Monday." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. people don't know." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "'Where could I find him?' have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you