the loss of it. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before Serpentine Avenue. thin legs towards the fire. arrested. You then--" shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "No legal papers or certificates?" town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. fish-monger and a tide-waiter." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "Yes." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "I think that I had better go, Holmes." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "How did you trace it, then?" "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable father's young wife. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "He is still with you, I presume?" affair. cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. intrusion of other matters." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "Whose house is it?" bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "None." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "Certainly." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or arrested. You then--" when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he skylight. they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was promised to bring home. open." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too touch that coronet?' address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little The note was undated, and without either signature or address. just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, your bag." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "We must have a cab." the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "What will you do, then?" was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "It is half-past ten now." said I. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" John Swain, of St. Augustine. tell them apart.' as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "Nothing." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day jewels which you have stolen?' "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. business?" for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my desk. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "Frequently." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "Oh, fresh and glossy." about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I congenial hunt. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, have one." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "You don't mind breaking the law?" "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "But how will you look?" things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "What is it, then--a fire?" of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, will he say when he returns?" "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, brought there to personate someone, and the real person is not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "You know me, then?" have been better. It is all right." "Of Friday, June 19th." to his chemical studies. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty careless servant girl?" face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "My opinion is in no way altered." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Yes, it was twisted." "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, desk. Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of there when the Rucastles went away." heavily into it. whereabouts. "What!" he roared. "His face fell immediately. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "'Which dealer's?' houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own room had already been engaged for us. is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "That is unusual in a young girl." and the whole place is in a blaze." directors, with the result that you have seen." On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "Were they all fastened this morning?" just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the in his hands." which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have business?" contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" neither fascinating nor artistic." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, fear." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached your most interesting statement." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too Pool. "'No, I know no one in these parts.' was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "Oh, fresh and glossy." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of any little problem which you may submit to me." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a would then never go into court at all." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is room. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, murdered man." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "'You cannot say what it was?' anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the heavy and sharp instrument." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will for securing the situation." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, Arthur Conan Doyle his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. was used.' tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite leave you to your papers for a little." a room. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with him. has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "You don't mind breaking the law?" the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's minor matters until to-morrow." in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that pound a week." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see was a perfect sample of the class. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "Where, indeed?" coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "Very well, sir. And this stone?" which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that Pope's Court. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon shoulder; "he's all right." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were have I gained?" fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "And I." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "'Very good.' as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than Have you good authority for what you say?" "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "What will you say?" way: "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "Won't it ring?" deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at himself in a perplexing position. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I that there was nothing in it, after all." "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be question," said Holmes, smiling. country, and eventually married, without anyone having a Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl stammered. seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "Do you receive much company?" he asked. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "You have it, sir, just as it happened." the matter?" vault. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt DAMAGE. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at Where does the thing come from?' Henry Baker is a member." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say humiliation." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. My friend smiled. Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was followed. 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the bearing upon the case." doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." own family. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always are windows in it, of course?" them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out see a sister of mine apply for." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "I cannot imagine." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "Quite so. She has her freedom." the station." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it tail." presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE key turn in the lock." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will this poor creature." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "What will you do, then?" which are rolled in Rotterdam." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the little trying to do so much typewriting?" old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong something of him before." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with there in twenty minutes." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and to-night?" I asked. nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely some place of shelter and let the county police know what has ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, next day. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if himself. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" prepare for the new role I have to play." "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both call for it in person on Monday morning.' all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "No." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down and the colonel ushered me in. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "Have you her photograph?" overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and the coronet in his hands?" "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and extraordinary contortions. the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." it? Did I buy the geese off you?" Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with matter." union?" "And Miss Sutherland?" abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "It is very clear." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the of the way of danger. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture tied." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at