But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "Of Friday, June 19th." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old once more on the important position which you have been fortunate loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "How can you tell that?" help us in this matter." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say friend's singular character. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "What shall I do?" "It certainly sounds feasible." mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and upon a handsome competence. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "Your French gold?" gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents his fortune, and I went back to pa. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, nothing of it?" what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months even of instruction." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across Holmes' face clouded over. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "Not particularly." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to spare." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "By no means." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who out." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more sentimental considerations in the background which would induce ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very to-night's adventure." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "Then you may entirely rely on me." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." Arthur Conan Doyle corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with second window is the one that I jumped from." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was matter." by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "Who by?" about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is on re-entering her father's house?" strode off upon his way. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "'Very good.' "Yes, sir." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "By no means." redistribution. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that only touch the interest." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them the little opening for the ventilator is." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "Yes." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of events, Mr. Windibank!" occupations.' the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "One?" be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain photograph?" tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "Did you observe the colour?" said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight events, Mr. Windibank!" stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be there in twenty minutes." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "And I say east," said my patient. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are habit of advancing money.' neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "About a month then." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "Then, how do you know?" France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to lamp. peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and business." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can interested in these little problems, and since you are good "'Entirely.' "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." 'please.'" a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "'I have heard so.' "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the towards the blaze. seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet used to be." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens said I. breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six examination of the premises, but without finding anything which matter over." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must just called myself is not exactly my own." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "'As governess?' You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "What is it?" Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "What! Had he lost his wife?" "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me and capable of preserving a secret.' the Red-headed League." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning McCarthy's innocence. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a been deceived." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your the stable lane now." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At kind enough to tell me what I should do." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat golden eyeglasses. "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty question. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into perplexity from it to my illustrious client. already been minutely examined." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "I never have." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "Then I do not see the point." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in photograph?" "May I see it?" jewels which you have stolen?' Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I were new raised from a basin. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their enter Dr. Roylott's room." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "You heard nothing yourself last night?" remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "Yes, certainly." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the Have you good authority for what you say?" threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat rat could hardly pass through." noble correspondent could be. that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the and the whole place is in a blaze." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "'Yes, sir.' he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "Yes?" lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "I am armed." "I answered that I had not. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. crowd. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in Eyford at 11:15.' that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see hopeless attempt at recovering them." "The King of Scandinavia." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly there was no need for father to know." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax less than 26s. 4d. spare." reach." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about together. I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, should be taken.' he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent made him keep the appointment." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. bears upon the case?" "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or congratulate you again." "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." written. "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are of his shoulders. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "Not in the least." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. not, dad?" she asked. surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of to that open window." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the was feeling which was the fattest.' "Well, it is a possible supposition." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and notes," he said. "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "I don't say that. Perhaps." straighten it?" Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong now. It seems that there had been some informality about their afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "Now, then, what's the last entry?" nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they the driver. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "Could he throw no light?" seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "And how in the world did you find them?" his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "And leave your case unfinished?" and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "Were they all fastened this morning?" there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "It is no ordinary one." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number wedding?" "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "Was there a secret marriage?" word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done yards of it?' "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "Yes?" that there was nothing in it, after all." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Then you may entirely rely on me." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is waste of energy." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" she might be summoned. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "What of the rat, then?" the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "To an English lawyer named Norton." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, noise which awoke you from your sleep?" the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis waste of energy." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged not personally threatened." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. I shall continue with my miserable story. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, least a fellow-countryman. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual Serpentine Avenue. place of silver." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "It was an hour's good drive." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "I should be immensely obliged to you." coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son problems help me to do so." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "What is it?" this as likely?" "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "That is it on the dressing-table." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these returning from some small jollification and was making his way makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "'Where to?' "Pray do so." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely made his money." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. never will be, entirely cleared up. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "Yes." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each most interesting one." the bottom.' he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six approach us with offers to donate. stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "A call for help, you thought?" hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the photograph?" people don't know." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set again." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea next day. me upon any point which I do not make clear." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "I don't believe it." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "A call for help, you thought?" told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he