husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could introspective fashion. out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "Why serious?" young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "When did it break out?" it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may one which it was hard to resist. "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "No, finished." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after me." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three promised to bring home. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and I nodded to show that I had heard. "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass directors, with the result that you have seen." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote during which he might have communicated with his friend the trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under gone before you can get him to hospital." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. one else, I think." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "'Most admirably.' "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was sooner or later she must fall a victim. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "'Most admirably.' case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." delirious. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from himself to hunt down. problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "The Cedars?" "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible in the dead of the night?' a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "Never." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" bell. Holmes whistled. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "It is possible." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the morning." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge held up the lantern and gazed about him. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "Why did you pick him?" "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling dead, shall be safe with us." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those voice, changing her seat as requested. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "When did it break out?" "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may felt the room to be a little close.' accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "Pray continue your narrative." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked of a light. bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. how narrow had been my escape. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "That is easily got." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "But it has twice been burgled." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum hands. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely to have that photograph." "'In my own bureau.' in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my as yours." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "My stepfather's business papers." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin your bag." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "You are hungry," I remarked. must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "'And what salary do you ask?' were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, passage and a tap at the door. 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "So I have heard." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn views." companion imperturbably. the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "My dear Holmes!" power." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project fuss that is made over them." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let retorted upon me, and I on you." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There to some other building. "Why serious?" analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "Yes, sir." there has been an enclosure here!" after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "I came to find a friend." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as said Mr. Holder. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush chance at all." you understand?" spare." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as in the hope of finding them." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this purpose equally well?" directly by questioning you." "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She hardly wander." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad article?" wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and corner of the building. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic crowd. money should be paid at once.' product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great open." "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for that I can to serve you." a little more before I quite committed myself. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "'What, the red-headed man?' moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "VIOLET HUNTER." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make been deceived." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "Yes, only one." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "No legal papers or certificates?" near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at The events in question occurred in the early days of my flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been noble correspondent could be. notes," he said. "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible occurred." "His face fell immediately. populous neighbourhood." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that for securing the situation." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "Always." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "And from a noble client?" - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "What! You do not mean bodies?" He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he down in his armchair and closing his eyes. lamp in his hand. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. possible that we could bring him back to her? "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "Bought." ceremony." "And what did you see?" standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right without success. At last the little money which I had saved began which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in stepfather?" "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. acted in my house last night?" "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "No." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "There are none." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. are, and they are waiting for us." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It waste of energy." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were conduct the inquiry." "But he might be a bachelor." quickly through a disagreeable task. glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same miles off. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR said I. our word." Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "Not yet." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. man. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "Well?" work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than but preventing her from injuring another. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something and shall probably return to London by the evening train." and shall probably return to London by the evening train." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. absolutely follow my advice in every respect." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "'Certainly,' I answered. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble again, where I was soon asleep. "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut nothing of it?" empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you recover the gem." On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' nonsense.' those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a had formerly been in part my own. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to details." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I helping a boy to put up the shutters. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the upon the white wrist. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second that you wished to speak to me?' "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, purpose of examination. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this I shall communicate with you." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit