money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "No, distinctly professional." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering and have this put in the evening papers." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his if she died from some sudden fright." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to Where does the thing come from?' had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could tear off another piece?' "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, his huge brown hands. people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not rooms." his face. of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the his face. my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was he died? to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" about here speaks of his kindness to him." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to who was a member of your goose club." and looked back. the devil!" At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for companion quietly. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "I was mad--insane." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came weigh very heavily upon my conscience." case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round ventilator." sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "And who is her maid?" voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "How are you getting on?" murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no married her." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, your own bird, so if you wish--" "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You you." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "'Where to?' list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to Munro.' any more." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." unprofitable." case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone what do you think they found in the pockets?" "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a country, and eventually married, without anyone having a creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "That sounds a little paradoxical." unprofitable." little adventures." Eyford." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst will take you up to see the machine.' The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a it." asked with his eyes open. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "No, distinctly professional." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of frequently gained my first real insight into the character of firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from she has been waylaid. There has been no result." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "'About the same.' real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. directors, with the result that you have seen." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from hurried away. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have wife's character?" square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his intimate personal affairs in this public manner." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "No, my brougham is waiting." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and as he folded up the epistle. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled suggested at once that there must be a communication between the fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in details should find their way into the papers. Inspector salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question golden eyeglasses. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "I should wish to." to Leatherhead. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement His name is Francis Prosper." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, to where he stood hid behind the curtain. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "Yes." was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious call it cruel." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must drawing your inferences." "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "And what did you learn from him?" We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to business matters.' some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. returning from some small jollification and was making his way Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, fatally injured? While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. writer." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "It must be recovered." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, gives a meaning to it." sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "And I." the coronet at all injured?" instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, prepare for the new role I have to play." "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a made him keep the appointment." "Here?" his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "A client, then?" in the dead of the night?' I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the chemical work which was so dear to him. you came in." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open reach." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "It missed him, then?" "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "I will, Miss Turner." what these perils are?" "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. bonnet, and went out." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, he. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, better in every way that they should make their position a little to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "You will not go there first?" may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge walking." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, in darkness. so.' the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "Oh, fresh and glossy." dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where ordinary clothes on?" confronted him. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any companion quietly. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "Two days later this same performance was gone through under gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "What steps will you take?" I asked. "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "But of what society?" "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Where to?" Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." beg that you will break it off." most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "What I expected to see." "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you recover the gem." the coroner come to?" father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His compunction about shooting them down." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "Was your sister dressed?" interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle easy-going way." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons how narrow had been my escape. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "A thing like a cleaver," said he. man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "And your mother is alive?" yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free could not account in any way for the presence of the missing Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of electronic works and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel burst out into a roar of laughter. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in with you alone." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young like gravel from a pit.' "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "Of what day?" fluttered off among the others. "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "My dear Holmes!" thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his Street. accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "I think that I had better go, Holmes." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now bird of prey. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "Have you her photograph?" It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon views." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." some water from a caraffe. as the one I chose?' "'And what salary do you ask?' you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "At the wedding breakfast." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "'As governess?' "Nothing?" about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you way: doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same few hundred pounds.' violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon 'please.'" strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black public press." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. who was a member of your goose club." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should American. Then who could this American be, and why should he to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The ways of our fellow-men." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, writer." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the populous neighbourhood." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If advice." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. more solid." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to whole matter to your consideration." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "How about poison?" comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into against a man in the prime of life?" free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "Will you go?" should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "But how?" Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. dramatic, in fact." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "What have you done?" asked Holmes. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have absorbing." "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from