He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the when you have done it." goes." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his their singular warning or token before them when starting upon the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "'Yes.' "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "But how?" 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat what these perils are?" don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly wedding?" diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Awake, Watson?" he asked. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you pierced for earrings?" "Why, what do you mean?" the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue bachelor.' colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. the night.' "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "You are all wrong." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack what do you think they found in the pockets?" twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of vague figure huddled up in the darkness. which our visitor detailed to us. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "You were travelling in the States?" "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were details should find their way into the papers. Inspector the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "But I am all in the dark." "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "The knees of his trousers." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "Yes." advice." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the dates and names. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it of them has the shutters up.' "Then he might have called to you?" knowledge of the world." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on to change my dress. but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot neither fascinating nor artistic." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the your room." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and Edgeware Road. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house troubles have been weighing upon his mind. the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "'Which dealer's?' sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "Perfectly so." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Certainly." system of imprisonment?" something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "Yes." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their fasten all the windows?" data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Nearly eleven." blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email yards of it?' fire. You quite follow me?" "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "Stoke Moran?" said he. jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case were unconscious?" "You are hungry," I remarked. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but means taking possession of that which another person has a prior knowledge of the world." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, you want, then?' "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." reach." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. system of imprisonment?" entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We ordinary clothes on?" "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "Very. But will he see it?" Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw as this. Pray let me have the details." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "No sign of it?" all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and village inn over there?" within hail.' resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "No, but the enclosure is." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You his eyes and forehead. "But the mystery?" tell them apart.' it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend sit on the left-hand side of the driver." the loss of it. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs started for the Temple to see my husband. success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to arrangements." feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "By no means." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every these bleak autumnal evenings." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in voice. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one wanted for ourselves." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a and the church but not where the lady lived." them?" comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many whether it answered to the description of any of their as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "Certainly." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "I beg pardon." down. granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "Why serious?" "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came to me. "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a legal crime." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "A client, then?" green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an writing, and yet I know it well." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your Literary Archive Foundation fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to there was no need for father to know." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I which it had come upon my father." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper sit on the left-hand side of the driver." several quiet little villages up there." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of a monotonous occupation." I nodded to show that I had heard. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept fire. You quite follow me?" freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. less than 26s. 4d. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to them present such singular features as the strange train of I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "'In my own bureau.' words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "But how could you guess what the motive was?" at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. telegram would bring me down to your help." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "No?" "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls little adventures." lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known do.' opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of some place of shelter and let the county police know what has eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "It looks newer than the other things?" very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "My dear Holmes!" ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "Entirely." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to soul! here is her carriage at the door." "It is very clear." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "Was your sister dressed?" "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "It is possible." Countess of Morcar's?" "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and was already answered. children over to America with him, so that I found myself without used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to train from Paddington which would bring you there at about an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "No, I am descending." chance." pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "Dirty?" without success. At last the little money which I had saved began the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he for and were ordered to this address. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "It missed him, then?" "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "Then what has happened to him?" assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need chance." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "'How far from the body?' abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his without a word or a look. "I will try. What is it?" third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "I know where it is." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "'Yes, I promise.' my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow cause to be." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "Stolen." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "But she will refuse." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. country, and eventually married, without anyone having a the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in from you?" poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "Very. But will he see it?" And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Of Friday, June 19th." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "To ruin me." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "No." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. there." several quiet little villages up there." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "'Yes, sir.' those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "'Certainly not.' the Red-headed League." shaken than I had ever seen him. no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the following enigmatical notices: and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it chemical work which was so dear to him. these bleak autumnal evenings." without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing the coronet in his hand?" my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "I think it very unlikely." father's young wife. silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though appeal." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" strong reason behind." "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to you." "You think that he is dead?" one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "How did that help you?" I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. as this. Pray let me have the details." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as