"'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "Who was the criminal, then?" thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the is four-and-twenty." the station." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. the driver. "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my Sholtos." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your standing smiling on the door-step. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at little trying to do so much typewriting?" to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be in this way: "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave villagers almost as much as their master. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "May I see it?" in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom astonishment. grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "She walked into the breakfast-room." But Holmes shook his head gravely. ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and chair. said he. "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even you." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my crime. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "I cannot tell." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes there." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," closely." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "None." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" always that they were such commands as a lady might with hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, villagers almost as much as their master. and your relations to her." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of as he folded up the epistle. shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "And how?" "I will get her to show me." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "An enemy?" was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "I do." "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus some mystery and the punishment of some crime." way: platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in you understand?" we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." acquaintance?" "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and me. "'Which dealer's?' eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a nothing with him." given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent furiously. read over the extraordinary announcement. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "Yes, sir." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "She will not sell." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "What office?" at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite tension within him. that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea giving me time to thank him. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "10th. John Swain cleared. chair. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "It was." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have you, my dear young lady?' detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining Lestrade of Scotland Yard." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "What, then?" his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when bore every mark of being an average commonplace British cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it again before evening." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have matters immensely." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is have one." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a too. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do mystery." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had his eyes and forehead. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the might help us?" down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. fear." walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. straightened it out again. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the over part of the map. "What do you read?" nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "'You cannot say what it was?' your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "Tired-looking or fresh?" digesting their breakfasts at home." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do everything which you would wish to know." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "Do you go out much in society?" safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to heavy and sharp instrument." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for I shall continue with my miserable story. explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the we went to search for him, face downward in a little after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was morning." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute questioning and rather startled gaze. "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed rat could hardly pass through." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat nights." few hundred pounds.' wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with said he. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a along the entire front of the house, with three long windows another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit said I. He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "That is unusual in a young girl." take the flies, but not before." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned meant it for the best. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes into the bag, and made for the door. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "And I." "That also I could fathom." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! was the fact that his father should, according to his account, know that the truth is known." was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So the room while you explain this matter?" of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you spare." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. woven round him. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say conclusions. my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some gone. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who it were putty." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms of Mr. Rucastle's." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in do you make of it all?" America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "The rest you will leave in our hands." gone before you can get him to hospital." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all I nodded again. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "My photograph." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. me what he had done with the three missing stones. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "The Cedars?" I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "Nothing." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "Certainly." to talk it over. way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "And what did you learn from him?" tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "'How far from the body?' ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill derbies." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and entirely devoid of interest." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at she slowly sank and died without having recovered her well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I come either from the window or the door. My attention was me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Then, as to money?" that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "Well?" shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and house for five minutes.' "On your arm?" received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical which are rolled in Rotterdam." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches think that any burglar could have done. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of meant it for the best. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I but preventing her from injuring another. affection." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the once more. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "I shall be delighted." "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was Eyford." Munro.' of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "How many? I don't know." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "What can you not understand?" "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "Very murderous indeed." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to drove away. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. the date of his supposed suicide." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that at my remark. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the Count Von Kramm." "Of Friday, June 19th." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and