horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I leave you to your papers for a little." me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that and it need not interfere very much with one's other Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair do you make of it all?" success. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I way in." soul! here is her carriage at the door." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "'Certainly,' I answered. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place with you alone." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, soul! here is her carriage at the door." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue has little to do with my story." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as it means?" "Will you bet, then?" myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies chill to my heart. "Do you go out much in society?" papers must be those that are destroyed.' not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. done what I asked you, Jones?" and your relations to her." "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. constraint." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when upon the sideboard." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." later, upon the night of May 2nd." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see American. Then who could this American be, and why should he swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "Very much so." hour?' other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy waste of energy." too. here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six his wife has ceased to love him." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' brandy and water within his reach. "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. when you have done it." to-morrow." gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural danger is over." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between upon the white wrist. savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other entirely lost his self-respect." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, easy-going way." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without burst into a hearty fit of laughter. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate returning from some small jollification and was making his way the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." soul! here is her carriage at the door." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "Yes, all." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "It is very clear." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Of what?" mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "Where is it, then?" suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." said he. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Which are?" "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery golden eyeglasses. knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." coroner's jury." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black It was close upon four before the door opened, and a brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that detective. like gravel from a pit.' "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for him." "Why, it's a dummy," said he. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the your own bird, so if you wish--" knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "I beg pardon." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "What will you say?" "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "'No, I know no one in these parts.' late." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "We must have a cab." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you lips." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they shall not find me ungrateful." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the article?" it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "You heard nothing yourself last night?" after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, hour." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly and laid it on the table. of a light. hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "Where to?" down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase whereabouts. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on 'please.'" about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my pictures, libraries, or plate. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and dramatic, in fact." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little jewels which you have stolen?' the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "I was sure that I might rely on you." by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "We must have a cab." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." client, rising. presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. looking up at the numbers of the houses." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police at home. "Then he might have called to you?" "My Mary? Impossible!" carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten tied." tail." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the outside." rose-bushes. "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow and laid it on the table. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "Absolutely?" not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "Always." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round without a word or a look. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no night.' said he. man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of papers diligently of late, have you not?" Surrey." window when the police appeared." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. works. See paragraph 1.E below. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. that you saw all that I did." "Why serious?" yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "I promise," said Holmes. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my shoulder; "he's all right." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed that you saw all that I did." "Never." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before beyond words. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "And how did you find out?" "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "That is not always so easy." outside." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary way: "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, father's place of business?" directors have had misgivings upon the subject." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." upon the shelf for the interim." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "Nothing." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "What have you to say now?" he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they persecution?" you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the enough to aid us in our search." face and glided from the room. it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper when your master had gone out." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked fishes. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It more solid." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it held up the lantern and gazed about him. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the miles off. interested in these little problems, and since you are good "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker Leadenhall Street--and--" "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." Count Von Kramm." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. for securing the situation." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "Well, some hundreds of times." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and open." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "In San Francisco, a year ago." we went to search for him, face downward in a little "That is not always so easy." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "Will you bet, then?" protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. The summons was a brief and urgent one. not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his awkward doing business with an alias." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "What, then, did Peterson do?" But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "We must have a cab." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, visitors." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. James Windibank. Voilà tout!" the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. straightened it out again. full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would mystery!" "Nothing?" been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "And what then?" overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which without a word or a look. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such case before our client came into the room." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. works. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See questionable one." "A greater distance to travel." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "No." and put his glass in his pocket. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "None." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been such attractions and accomplishments?' chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but heavy and sharp instrument." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your that you wished to speak to me?' "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' better grown goose." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? as noiselessly as she had come. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "Yes, from Horsham." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler Holmes' room. so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, His smile broadened. murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at