"Did you observe the colour?" lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "Pray continue your narrative." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." burst out into a roar of laughter. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "Yes, sir." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "And how did he make his money?" bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His were wasted." emerged. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "VIOLET HUNTER." like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not Clair, of Lee." "Won't it ring?" in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. his wife has ceased to love him." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" union?" base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "Yes, I have one waiting." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "We must have a cab." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set which our visitor detailed to us. "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, should be taken.' The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months cigars in the box." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of his cane at the bell-pull. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "Was he the only applicant?" it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite strode off upon his way. impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "Did your wife hear all this?" wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without nonsense.' to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "To an end?" "You know me, then?" in a friendly supper." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and the stable lane now." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "How often?" purpose equally well?" step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." to a light-house. made his money." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in to you." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. I nodded to show that I had heard. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "There are none." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Can I be of assistance?" arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "Was he the only applicant?" lost nothing by them." hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the might help us?" five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account minor matters until to-morrow." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was it were putty." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of redistribution. could go. It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was of a light. neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "'Very good.' of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can round with crates and massive boxes. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "And you don't know his address?" the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all Street. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "Of what?" sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "'Which dealer's?' dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be 11:15.' she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" troubles have been weighing upon his mind. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "Yes." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend hour." "It is half-past ten now." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. villagers almost as much as their master. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' allusion to a rat. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man hour." he bowed and left the room without another word. "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you of Mr. Rucastle's." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, a suggestive one." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "In San Francisco, a year ago." it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "I cannot think." you in yours." glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End problems help me to do so." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." enter into my head. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "We must sit without light. He would see it through the eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "And it is--" deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important which our visitor detailed to us. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which II. mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. like gravel from a pit.' at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is quick march!" lamp in his hand. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." despair." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." on in his house." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "At the wedding breakfast." "In answer to an advertisement." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called to change my dress. see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "Absolutely?" "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "Did you observe the colour?" "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast Pool. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform row." in. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from one's self under obligations.' "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might married her." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. again." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "On the contrary, this is the right side." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "Ample." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "Frequently." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would fish-monger and a tide-waiter." it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." you." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "And the murderer?" "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and Leave Paddington by the 11:15." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Indeed! Whose, then?" "Well, but China?" either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "I will do it." throat." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for unkempt, staring out at me. usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "Not yet." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast with the outside air!" discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my business?" were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "The vanishing of the lady." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "On the contrary, this is the right side." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have thirty. "Your sister is dead, then?" "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "I think that it is very probable." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those light and attacked it." "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an several quiet little villages up there." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email awkward doing business with an alias." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "I have seen the police." "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "No." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I business matters.' brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "Will you go?" clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "How about poison?" extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is on in his house." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the begun to whiten, even as mine has." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange you." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our within hail.' the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am once more for Briony Lodge. its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, the one as in the other." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival unkempt, staring out at me. surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "But I am all in the dark." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or tension within him. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, himself to hunt down. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I cheerful." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in behind me. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried correct than the official force." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "What then?" The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the of the one which your family is now devouring." John Swain, of St. Augustine. "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Proceed, then." this as likely?" workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "Well." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock answered with a sidelong glance. "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." believe that I should never have any practice at all. "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." think, you have already met." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. the inquest, and which are worth considering." upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "Yes, it was twisted." 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that crime. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest served to weaken the effect. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "Just look it up, then." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not During two years I have had three consultations and one small my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version out of this horrible affair." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last,