assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "My dear Holmes!" States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is Project Gutenberg-tm works. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "When did it break out?" despair." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "Very truly yours, during that time.' not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business in this note: "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. pierced for earrings?" believe that I should never have any practice at all. cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the which we had just quitted. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a do.' and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a fuss that is made over them." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush habit of advancing money.' you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "How did that help you?" the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third towards the blaze. other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you hurried away. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "What have you to say now?" "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of posted to-day." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a main points of my analysis." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: looking up at the numbers of the houses." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "What can you not understand?" all that?" "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "Upon what point?" minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "And Miss Sutherland?" between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," the stones. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "You are certainly joking, Holmes." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." father's young wife. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our rooms." He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open interests were the same as his." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a that I may have something better before very many minutes are "It is possible." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. Sutherland. when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in emerged. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. this Miss Turner." "What is it?" "No. What a strange idea!" having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "You don't mind breaking the law?" "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "But how could you guess what the motive was?" brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in your billet.' "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch locked." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with matter." "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the your room." suddenly upon us." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he beg that you will break it off." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: guilty one." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much The King stared at him in amazement. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in your sleep?' in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. McCarthy." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "I have come for advice." "I am all attention, madam." your sleep?' road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the instincts rose up against that laugh. like gravel from a pit.' had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for the room while you explain this matter?" and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic indiscretion." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "I would give my fortune to have them back." upon the white wrist. is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a problems help me to do so." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "Yes, sir." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss man. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it tear off another piece?' and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. appeared upon the scene." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open away to you." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid should be taken.' said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "I was mad--insane." better in every way that they should make their position a little through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "And on what day did he meet his death?" prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "Tired-looking or fresh?" roused himself from his reverie. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "Perhaps we may make them less so." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a key of the affair now." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "Breckinridge is his name." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can looking up at the numbers of the houses." "Ah!" presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "Seven!" I answered. dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "'Never.' of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" back alive. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no he died? "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are ordinary clothes on?" "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another could go. "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. his eyes and forehead. at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted what is your own theory as to what took place?" what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "The King of Scandinavia." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "But who is he?" have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not be. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "'Most admirably.' lectures into a series of tales." "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "'I am sure that I do not know.' as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "'Certainly,' I answered. Edgeware Road. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "Then how many are there?" surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "'Where to?' laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "You have it, sir, just as it happened." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your The note was undated, and without either signature or address. without a word or a look. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "Was the window open?" maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through perplexity from it to my illustrious client. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "Who by?" "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business knowledge of the world." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "What then?" would apply.' believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "Yes." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having least a most suspicious remark." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to direction." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems the King without delay." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, should be taken.' "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "10th. John Swain cleared. There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his without a word or a look. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "Pray do so." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "My own seal." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said mystery!" "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed which our visitor detailed to us. stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a simple cases which are so extremely difficult." a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away could gather together that I was able to avert another public "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since companion quietly. which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the nonsense.' what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her voice, changing her seat as requested. at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than straightened it out again. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the it right.' might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. one else, I think." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that overpowering excitement and concern. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. he. cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity appeared upon the scene." future lives." The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, details." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "Did you become engaged then?" me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "In heaven's name, what for?" noise which awoke you from your sleep?" questionable one." young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King bell. Holmes whistled. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "But the mystery?" faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "The rest you will leave in our hands." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a the bed, and you in that chair." moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the ashen face. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of wedding?" "Pray do so." gone. of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and less than 26s. 4d. central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen compunction about shooting them down." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far are, I think, all that we need." without a word or a look. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have interests were the same as his." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the was a perfect sample of the class. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were it were putty." His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "But who is he?" to a light-house. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. Cross for the Continent." written, and locked the door of the office after me. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "No." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian gone before you can get him to hospital." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his detained." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning