"I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to John Swain, of St. Augustine. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united mysterious end." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "Then what has happened to him?" the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own are, I think, all that we need." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in arrangements." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: made his money." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his leave you to your papers for a little." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "You'll never persuade me to believe that." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter allusion to a rat. "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the your co-operation." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "Then you may be so with me." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow putting in the horse. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the introspective fashion. companion. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "Stolen, then." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." him. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "How did that help you?" some city in a dream. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "And did you observe any change in her then?" (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "None." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the enough to aid us in our search." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "What do you mean?" upon a handsome competence. fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." served to weaken the effect. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be and no precautions can guard against." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a gone. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with read over the extraordinary announcement. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang way: and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that Sholtos." defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls other, as fresh and trim as possible. reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I important." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him drove away. uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the The telegram which we eventually received came late one night that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the gentleman's clothes. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." strode off upon his way. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, will not take me long to tell. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "We have tried and failed." "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "The decline of his fortunes, then?" your billet.' wedding?" which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended companion imperturbably. pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "Was there a secret marriage?" For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "'Oh, no.' opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" he died? "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' Does that suggest anything?" 'please.'" veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner have been better. It is all right." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall to talk it over. "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth breakfast." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, three of the beryls in it, was missing. attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective there in twenty minutes." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. his grey eyes. Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever public press." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "But how did you gain them?" and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I touch that coronet?' he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "'Stolen!' he cried. "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was outsides of the windows. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Yes, all." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you at home. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they is four-and-twenty." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the own family. have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had down in his armchair and closing his eyes. on re-entering her father's house?" meant." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned it." profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he Farm upon the left." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." she slowly sank and died without having recovered her There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the breakfast." departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. had this final quarrel? value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which and that he would see to anything that turned up. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "'How far from the body?' the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted she might be summoned. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble in the hope of finding them." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the Chief Executive and Director "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "Holmes, the busybody!" said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "And your father? Did you tell him?" is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged and the whole place is in a blaze." "I don't believe it." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though you came in." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "Have you her photograph?" (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "No, my brougham is waiting." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "Well?" to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "'Never,' said I. but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who just ask you whether you had heard it.' "Her father is very rich?" mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than just ask you whether you had heard it.' "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 already referred to. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually 1.F. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and our word." "'Never,' said I. "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "So I heard. You have him here?" hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed your equipment. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "Pray continue your narrative." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made The telegram which we eventually received came late one night has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel then?" present strange and interesting features that it is no easy found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, forecastle of an emigrant ship. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he confronted him. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "You were travelling in the States?" "On Monday." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some will he say when he returns?" abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "I will do it." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. be.' creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross weary and pale-looking. "Murdered?" would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted cost them two and thirty pounds." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "To an English lawyer named Norton." this Miss Turner." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had kindly on the shoulder. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the peculiar to him. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "What then?" been lifted and conveyed somewhere." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be minor matters until to-morrow." as he remarks, very much against the son." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable third from London." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the that I can to serve you." "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you business." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "Yes." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. there." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. Holmes rather sternly. "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable bachelor.' course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as British peeress.'" the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have Surrey." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental official police." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was derbies." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning read it out to me." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "VIOLET HUNTER." remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "One horse?" interjected Holmes. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "What have you to say now?" "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "The Cedars?" said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have dates and names. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a one's self under obligations.' "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. Mary, has deserted me." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project III. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "I see no marks." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his It may be so in this case, also." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Really! You surprise me." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "That sounds a little paradoxical." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" good-night and bustled off upon her way. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "Was there a secret marriage?" away in different directions, and I went off to make my own the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "I say that I have solved it." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the