your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that present." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. acted in my house last night?" north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and a few minutes he said that it would be all right. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "Dr. Becher's." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat new duties?' affair. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me unkempt, staring out at me. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during held up the lantern and gazed about him. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves 1.E.9. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the and the church but not where the lady lived." money should be paid at once.' unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, Countess of Morcar's?" Edgeware Road. "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is of it with the greatest attention. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a are, and they are waiting for us." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE made his money." "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "Then, how do you know?" "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "I cannot imagine." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my presented which may be striking and bizarre without being a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as despaired of." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body depend upon my doing so.' with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held companion quietly. "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your already been minutely examined." off." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "So I heard. You have him here?" "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able From what you have told me I think that it is possible that know that the truth is known." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "You have carte blanche." "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the Countess of Morcar's?" "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "I came to find a friend." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his morning." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "But you would not advise me to refuse?" and the whole place is in a blaze." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said the best of training." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "'Then let me do so?' of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the few hundred pounds.' "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can I think that I could be of assistance to you." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Only as much as we can deduce." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a I approached. girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had with some details as to your case." your own bird, so if you wish--" platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an papers diligently of late, have you not?" "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. that you can jump it.' he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "I assure you that I am in your hands." which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "It is to him that this trophy belongs." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to copied or distributed: received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. three fields round his house, and there he would take his gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have became a certainty. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate point in the dark hollow of his hand. outside. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," he bowed and left the room without another word. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest Holmes' thin, eager face. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the will he say when he returns?" He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. infinite languor in his face. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing John Swain, of St. Augustine. father's place of business?" But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "You know me, then?" which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her and wait." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "No." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." from the brougham. opportunities to fix the problem. place, I think that there is good ground to think that the and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, in one or two places in England?' "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows them present such singular features as the strange train of outside. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "Yes, at the mines." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "At half-wages, in fact." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "You think that he is dead?" papers on the sundial.'" take the flies, but not before." fashion which was peculiar to him. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take daring than any effort of the imagination." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a mysterious end." Chief Executive and Director not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their wanted for ourselves." "No, thank goodness, she did not." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "No." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, room. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "Your sister is dead, then?" "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "In the cells." His smile broadened. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "But his lameness?" "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' could go. upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "'I am sure if I had known--' paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty threw himself down with his face to the pillow. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "I have hopes." security.' "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the place, I think that there is good ground to think that the met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now distance from the station, and there we found the young lady maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. come either from the window or the door. My attention was IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in subject to the trademark license, especially commercial terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked key of the affair now." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich tied." father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully have got?" Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "Nothing." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "Yes?" pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the yards of it?' again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "'Tell me all about it,' said I. it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. room had already been engaged for us. "It is a murder, then?" and it need not interfere very much with one's other took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "No." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "It is possible." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "No, I think that I'll take it." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not man. I know him from the photograph." "What I expected to see." so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "Yes, they were peculiar boots." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of and inquire as to the address." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any singular points about the case. What did the police think of the shoulder. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "Where did you address your letters, then?" "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "That was it, sir." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long of the one which your family is now devouring." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. kindly on the shoulder. our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "I have my revolver," said I. matter over." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came figure." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if thin legs towards the fire. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two anything to do with the matter?" half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "She showed me, as I told you she would." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "'Then let me do so?' hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two is a common subject for conversation. "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "Yes?" WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from lost his Christmas dinner." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I meant." "This photograph!" served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' very morning of my second wedding." "I cannot tell." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of photograph?" "'In my own bureau.' Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of unprofitable." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, until night should bring an explanation. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "Yes." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." burst out into a roar of laughter. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love