her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second like that before?" "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the said I. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to the address that was given us in the advertisement. great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise never will be, entirely cleared up. know that the truth is known." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and simple cases which are so extremely difficult." you in yours." "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call all that?" began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. ago." voice, changing her seat as requested. description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. his eyes and forehead. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "And how did you find out?" a little more before I quite committed myself. "Entirely." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no *** START: FULL LICENSE *** other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel and have this put in the evening papers." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that highroad, where all traces were lost. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it shall use the carriage to-night." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "How about poison?" the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right Serpentine Avenue. "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have advice." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "I came to find a friend." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." all-comprehensive glances. say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But intrusion of other matters." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "'Certainly not. But why?' chamber." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I bird I ate is country bred." there when the Rucastles went away." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the one which it was hard to resist. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman there has been an enclosure here!" in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "What, then, did Peterson do?" opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "Two days later this same performance was gone through under you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last whatever might befall. what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. gone. "Game for a morning drive?" believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE call for protection in the marriage market, for the present While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly to that open window." Farm upon the left." to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a better in every way that they should make their position a little a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "What, then?" had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "Yes?" one else, I think." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a became a certainty. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off murdered man." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, against a man in the prime of life?" to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to this as likely?" no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, friends, not even his own brother. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "Yes?" cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "What, then, did Peterson do?" Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and golden eyeglasses. consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "I should like to see him very much." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. come either from the window or the door. My attention was and the church but not where the lady lived." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, official police." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "And what did you learn from him?" window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off all?" making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "So it appears." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she October 9, 1890. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "'What are you doing there?' he asked. away to you." believe that I should never have any practice at all. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "Nothing." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the and glanced through. "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The business?" to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker the loss of it. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "It is true that I have been generally successful." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "From his hat?" solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as father's place of business?" intimate personal affairs in this public manner." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding impression behind it as though a window had gently closed Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have his knees, staring into the fire. the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly think that he is innocent?" must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you ventilator." you want, then?' "In San Francisco, a year ago." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who even so self-evident a thing as that." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "What! a murderous attack?" Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "What!" he roared. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not the very letters. But what is this written above them?' again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with touch that coronet?' over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which advice." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "Then what has happened to him?" there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "9th. McCauley cleared. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove I nodded again. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a even of instruction." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "Yes, only one." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "An accident, I presume?" "The knees of his trousers." "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "Then, how do you know?" British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in lectures into a series of tales." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would if she died from some sudden fright." to that open window." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up written. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, reach." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "VIOLET HUNTER." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came gone. "'Then let me do so?' the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "Thank you. And your address?" "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "Ha! you find it so?" traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my towards the blaze. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your enter Dr. Roylott's room." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "Stolen, then." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "We must have a cab." now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "I am in hopes that she does." On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my be.' wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, fish-monger and a tide-waiter." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at morning." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "No, thank goodness, she did not." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. companion. shaken than I had ever seen him. "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. someone who had been in Australia." "Yes, they were peculiar boots." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not cost them two and thirty pounds." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the redistribution. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "That is unusual in a young girl." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her this poor creature." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "You have carte blanche." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "That sounds a little paradoxical." clanging. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "In what way?" asked Holmes. tied." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he just called myself is not exactly my own." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "Which are?" stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "I am to be neutral?" round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, definite end. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he horse could go." later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "Why did you pick him?" adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, remarked. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "No." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The them present such singular features as the strange train of squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "Where is it, then?" "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the to-night's adventure." strong reason behind." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck,