located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "In what way?" asked Holmes. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project remarked. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight morning." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it and laid it on the table. I am not easy in my mind about them." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, his cane at the bell-pull. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "Well?" way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of direction." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "Yes." to that open window." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong there in twenty minutes." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, mysterious end." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Quite so." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "Were they all fastened this morning?" look upon these things in a different way." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the pressing in one house as in another. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual returning from some small jollification and was making his way extraordinary contortions. side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "And who is her maid?" my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "I cannot say that I have." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Can I be of assistance?" "Nothing." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." and wait." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I peculiar to him. "Frequently." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you What do you deduce from it?" handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and written, and locked the door of the office after me. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose anything to do with the matter?" his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what of this gang." thirty. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything been with you?" would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "Have you her photograph?" day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We he. to take care of herself." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were of a light. anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck to some other building. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "VIOLET HUNTER." "It is true that I have been generally successful." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across memory. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "The knees of his trousers." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "It missed him, then?" pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is to tell." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, points to suicide?" strength of mind to control. to surprise her." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I and a shock of very red hair. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Yes, at the mines." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by woven round him. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let you?" "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to must be when I saw the door open.' by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "And what did you see?" "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "My dear Holmes!" opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of and prosperity to your house. Good-night." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "Indeed! Whose, then?" should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an of the way of danger. straightened it out again. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the could go. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "So I am. Very much so." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard think that any burglar could have done. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "It is very clear." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." rat could hardly pass through." her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "You have the photograph?" know all about it," he snarled. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "Eh? What was that?" lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of gbnewby@pglaf.org among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had It was close upon four before the door opened, and a shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, to his chemical studies. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "I will do it." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "You are all wrong." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said fattened it expressly for you.' Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So in the port of London." "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "On the contrary, this is the right side." "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich shoulder. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with look upon these things in a different way." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, know that the truth is known." foot. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as question," said Holmes, smiling. "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. better in every way that they should make their position a little down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face troubles have been weighing upon his mind. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, served to weaken the effect. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken States. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and opened the door, and slipped through. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of absolutely follow my advice in every respect." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the together. when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. south, for the country is more deserted there." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" The telegram which we eventually received came late one night shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are someone who had been in Australia." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "No." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" good for you to do.' My friend smiled. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "Oh, yes, easily." revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "I would pay ten." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over the coroner come to?" to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "The doctor?" son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able matters immensely." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "My photograph." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, the coroner come to?" "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general compunction about shooting them down." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do noting anything else of interest. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "The rest you will leave in our hands." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love I approached. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the his forehead." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage to me. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn your sleep?' most important business. It is probable that he will be away all well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had will he say when he returns?" "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The sound at heart." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret following enigmatical notices: THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a opened the door, and slipped through. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "Absolutely?" "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "When did it break out?" The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs has little to do with my story." was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "This photograph!" woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible as noiselessly as she had come. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses charged with?" "What then?" above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "Her father is very rich?" into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "Where to?" if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what Holmes' thin, eager face. "That is it on the dressing-table." 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that have been better. It is all right." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the least a most suspicious remark." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence before, for it was considerably after midnight. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "She showed me, as I told you she would." with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or is now desirous of getting those letters back." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he disturbance in my wife." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my to affect your life." "You are hungry," I remarked. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "I was mad--insane." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion excitement. Sutherland?" "You think so, too?" "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a your Highness to the police-station?" door?" suspect him." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when nights." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but gone. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa lumber-room." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it other, as fresh and trim as possible. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that unclasping of his long thin hands. foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a floor. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "And for present expenses?" friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "Ah!" always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out any little problem which you may submit to me." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent to me. will he say when he returns?" cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "Won't it ring?" "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning front of the hall door has given its name to the place. George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, affair. other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "He said too much." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to congratulate you again." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "You are hungry," I remarked. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "No, but the enclosure is." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "What!" he roared. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in