business." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed in one or two places in England?' Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora you in yours." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "It is possible." "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of imbecility!" he cried. "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "Was he the only applicant?" "Did your wife hear all this?" a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and to surprise her." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, woman." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could dates and names. taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of at home. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "He slept on the premises." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? the inquest, and which are worth considering." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "What! Had he lost his wife?" "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not a little more before I quite committed myself. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for once more. of your young ladies.' knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "'You doubt its value?' he asked. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "And how did you verify them?" the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "How many? I don't know." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while outside." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It singular points about the case. What did the police think of the for the market.' which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, was lame." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "It is solved." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some bears upon the case?" "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his business at Coburg Square is serious." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at present strange and interesting features that it is no easy A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Absolutely none." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "The doctor?" dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire deduce something from that?" "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, entirely devoid of interest." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "Do you know him?" all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger late." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. light and attacked it." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was said Mr. Holder. We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow shoulder; "he's all right." What do you deduce from it?" as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four have one." joking. "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" vanished into the darkness. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some the tragedy. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "It must be recovered." into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "By all means." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up morning." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting as this. Pray let me have the details." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat the ceiling. foresight and the moral retrogression?" "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "My photograph." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm ago." the tragedy. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his whole matter to your consideration." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and seven miles from Eyford Station.' the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in the address that was given us in the advertisement. Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could cigars in their mouths. before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to second." my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say case-book, which he consulted. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she Lee, in the county of Kent." of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "He said too much." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "You have the photograph?" address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "You think that he is dead?" to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us made his money." it with his own hands." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and what these perils are?" hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young ready to-morrow?' Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew row." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "Yes." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a of the way of danger. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, colonel looking down at me. to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "In San Francisco, a year ago." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "No, I am descending." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would felt the room to be a little close.' "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "The gentleman I describe." "So I have heard." "'Where could I find him?' closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. too. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the The police have openly confessed that they can at present make at a side door. "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted system of imprisonment?" rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "I promise," said Holmes. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "Yes." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for she slowly sank and died without having recovered her circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a very morning of my second wedding." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had jewels which you have stolen?' to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her copied or distributed: any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "The murder was done with it." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose bearing upon the case." The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the an introduction to him?" down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may be best to do. "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "Yes, sir." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "It certainly sounds feasible." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' row." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my was the fact that his father should, according to his account, to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "I am still in the dark." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "The knees of his trousers." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at interests were the same as his." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "Yes." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so nothing with him." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send DISSOLVED. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. lamp. prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the we went to search for him, face downward in a little "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we enter Dr. Roylott's room." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "What of the rat, then?" back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "No." "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and is four-and-twenty." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "No, I think that I'll take it." heavily into it. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, companion quietly. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "I will, Miss Turner." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "I warn you that they are very incomplete." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "Yes, sir." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "What, then?" brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "And what did you see?" him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "He might." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. a very grave face. Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found himself to hunt down. and the whole place is in a blaze." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "Has he come with you to-night?" Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Yes, sir!" said the station-master.