truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, a room. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "'Is purely nominal.' stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it Have you good authority for what you say?" "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City respectable self." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, pity, because in other respects you would really have done very my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you me upon any point which I do not make clear." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said other, as fresh and trim as possible. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she I have it here in my museum." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "'How far from the body?' a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "No?" "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "'I shall certainly be there.' "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is narrative." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed someone who had been in Australia." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the looking up at the numbers of the houses." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "Who was the criminal, then?" "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the man. "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "Absolutely none." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "My dear Holmes!" on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box upon the sideboard." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. business." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them ventilator." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' carpenter." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "No, thank goodness, she did not." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed together. half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable swore that no one else had been in the front room during the knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "Seven!" I answered. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you passage and a tap at the door. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little me. You must get home instantly and act." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor cigar and let me expound." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." the Red-headed League." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have she used." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "His face fell immediately. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "And you don't know his address?" up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some chill to my heart. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. visitors." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "Never to return." Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "No bad?" Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. remarked. to talk it over. second." place of silver." the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a and that he would see to anything that turned up. "You don't mind breaking the law?" right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly eavesdroppers?' didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but in the port of London." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "In San Francisco, a year ago." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "But she could not love him." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "Did he not advertise?" and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "You'll never persuade me to believe that." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "None. Neville wrote those words." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of which we had just quitted. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of the one as in the other." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal six. Come in!" and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "'Oh, no.' "Yes?" his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with it. wedding?" word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. gone. "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw voice, changing her seat as requested. product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "The landlord of the Alpha." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "'Why that?' I asks. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for made his money." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and fuss that is made over them." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the and the colonel ushered me in. chemical work which was so dear to him. "I fear not." "Indeed! Whose, then?" The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy that before taking the final step I should like to submit the what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is down. repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right Sholtos." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "I am following you closely," I answered. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in The events in question occurred in the early days of my "You have compromised yourself seriously." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, purpose equally well?" "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry directors, with the result that you have seen." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the into the room. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "It is very clear." memory. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to do you make of it all?" heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "A thing like a cleaver," said he. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in she might be summoned. danger is over." "She will not sell." "What then?" observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was clang of the bell. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "Where is it, then?" The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to voice, changing her seat as requested. this unhappy family?" "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It Leadenhall Street--and--" untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would cheerful." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I and wait." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his again on its way. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come from the brougham. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' had this final quarrel? violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are acted in my house last night?" from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is not come at once?" and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present already been minutely examined." my special province." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "How did you trace it, then?" "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up spare." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "And why?" promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I make me his representative both with the servants and with the from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and entirely devoid of interest." "That is unusual in a young girl." Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his window when the police appeared." the house with me." that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." acquaintance?" "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the distinguish the words: my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at and prosperity to your house. Good-night." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet nothing with him." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his weigh very heavily upon my conscience." leave you to your papers for a little." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "This concluded the examination of the witness." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "A client, then?" of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I happened." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "And why?" little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble leaning back in his chair. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom was shining brightly. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. of his shoulders. He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no recover the gem." fact, we may call it conclusive." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own colour had been driven from his face. on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "No, finished." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What had formerly been in part my own. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the dear old homesteads?" "Imitated." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "Certainly." "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." Sutherland. young Openshaw's." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "That is unusual in a young girl." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "No, distinctly professional." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it might have a private word with us. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and absolutely follow my advice in every respect." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "But who is he?" carpenter." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have maid will bring up your coffee." opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for reach." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. himself in a perplexing position. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I