the coroner come to?" petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "I have solved it." expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "I will, Miss Turner." observed. absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not call the police, let the police find what they can.' and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than existence." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "By no means." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. said he. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the call for it in person on Monday morning.' now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' he. "Then you may be so with me." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an mysterious business." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your entirely lost his self-respect." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "Precisely." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue status with the IRS. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "I assure you that I am in your hands." in the port of London." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of of receipt of the work. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of fat-encircled eyes. the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "She showed me, as I told you she would." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "I think that I had better go, Holmes." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the grasp, he hurried from the room. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "That is easily got." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat next day. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee chambers. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "My Mary? Impossible!" something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised the Friday. Was it to be in church?" is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of depend upon your compliance." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not footfalls from the street. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "I see many objections to any such theory." Foundation the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the to me. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could been able to understand it, in a very few words. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, God! What an exposure! What can I do?" of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "About a month then." Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, nonsense.' about here speaks of his kindness to him." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I this remarkable episode. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but and your relations to her." compunction about shooting them down." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more noise which awoke you from your sleep?" When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger done what I asked you, Jones?" peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "I shall most certainly do so." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by written. stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "'There is a drive, then?' Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "Oh, fresh and glossy." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would what is your own theory as to what took place?" "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "How did you deduce the select?" purpose equally well?" unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course putting in the horse. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by nights." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and prove to be little relation between the different incidents of like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed help us in this matter." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, cost them two and thirty pounds." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "It certainly sounds feasible." was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "One of his hands." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "And that is--" "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, to change my dress. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "If I can be of use." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her infinite languor in his face. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Nor running a chance of arrest?" where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an about. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "My last client of the sort was a king." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "Then the page we have seen--" Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, could go. "I say it is." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs My friend smiled. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "No sign of it?" for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "It is a murder, then?" that I may have something better before very many minutes are Surrey." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "I was mad--insane." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "'Yes.' you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "And you can do nothing until then?" "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "Precisely so. But how--" we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always recover the gem." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler business?" although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' sufficient punishment." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "Precisely." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the certainly not very gracious." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the lost nothing by them." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing lamp in his hand. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the the Red-headed League." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "About a month then." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our she to prove their authenticity?" traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would done what I asked you, Jones?" rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." orange pips. that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank details." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in some water from a caraffe. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and astonishment. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the and wait." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had and a shock of very red hair. allusion to a rat. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to upon the shelf for the interim." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "Yes." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I quick march!" for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In felt the room to be a little close.' "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will during that time.' The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which several quiet little villages up there." as yours." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." passage and a tap at the door. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "Then, as to money?" gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "My dear Holmes!" exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he quick march!" troubles have been weighing upon his mind. WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their the tragedy. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that are windows in it, of course?" Holmes' thin, eager face. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried think that any burglar could have done. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and breakfast?" poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "I am armed." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "How did that help you?" about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Will you bet, then?" the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" your sleep?' one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'Very good.' "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to than to us. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "Here?" night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Game for a morning drive?" the Assizes." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "Where, then?" called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in said he, "my real name is James Ryder." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door tapping his fingers upon the table. wedding?" closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his disturbance in my wife." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." room had already been engaged for us. very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "Well?" "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at present." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might wall." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "No." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to