the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "I don't say that. Perhaps." putting in the horse. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "Yes, that is the Crown." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman the little opening for the ventilator is." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "Where, then?" "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to the address that was given us in the advertisement. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was vanished into the darkness. as this. Pray let me have the details." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "You forget that I know nothing about it." "Not yet." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "I am all attention, madam." wedding?" And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to depend upon your compliance." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should hereditary King of Bohemia." "How often?" to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "And how did you find out?" Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his away in different directions, and I went off to make my own battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and dates and names. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the of the way of danger. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in directors, with the result that you have seen." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "Yes, certainly." "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is there were one or two details which were new to me. But the voice. deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you to affect your life." "Did you become engaged then?" Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to foresight and the moral retrogression?" of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "Won't it ring?" "Will you go?" might have a private word with us. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may so.' to-night?" I asked. green of the new foliage. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "The knees of his trousers." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "It is his hat." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "Now, then, what's the last entry?" vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "How did you deduce the select?" as this. Pray let me have the details." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet Holmes. it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an grasp, he hurried from the room. "Here?" sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. there has been an enclosure here!" returned to France?" just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "'Tell me all about it,' said I. justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we observed. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley himself to tell his story. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "'I have already given you my word.' at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and him, that man would not have given me such complete information certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot Munro.' which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "No bad?" Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "Stolen, then." had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "Why, what do you mean?" "On Monday." room had already been engaged for us. "Deserted you?" "Will you bet, then?" three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "You think that he is dead?" married her." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has waste of energy." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case deduce something from that?" "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "Indeed! Whose, then?" us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it bedroom door." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you that he will be back before evening." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the matter." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "Certainly." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his to that open window." to-night's adventure." twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "None." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "Will you go?" "The gentleman I describe." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the 1.F. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him pound a week." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you it." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought prison!" of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "But I am all in the dark." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those must be when I saw the door open.' "Ah!" had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that make me his representative both with the servants and with the glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "Yes, from Horsham." that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and which we had just quitted. have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Then what has happened to him?" opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some whatever might befall. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "You know me, then?" very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was coroner's jury." and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have sneer upon his pale face. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Yes?" the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who Lestrade of Scotland Yard." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. other, as fresh and trim as possible. new duties?' "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have entirely lost his self-respect." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled a little more before I quite committed myself. "'Never.' cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "Your presence might be invaluable." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, manager. man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and business." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "I am sure." like gravel from a pit.' three of the beryls in it, was missing. observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after here." "Yes." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it get her out of the way." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many the loss of it. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "No, I am descending." "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, attention." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were became a certainty. "It is very kind of you." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "Get out!" said he. the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "ARAT," I read. mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with get her out of the way." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred papers on the sundial.'" the best of training." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third cigar and let me expound." closely." cigars in the box." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "Nearly eleven." "And sit in the dark?" informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not fasten all the windows?" never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Was she in good spirits?" "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. secret." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the 1.E.9. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much when you have done it." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the trifles." was a lad." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first that he will be back before evening." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "None." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found cost them two and thirty pounds." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner have I gained?" "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "But how will you look?" "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project all that?" a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would families. Now for the facts. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "That is possible." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in chambers. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass so.' "Then I shall certainly come." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend very morning of my second wedding." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my three of the beryls in it, was missing. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. this as likely?" off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "But what is it you wish?" never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question.