strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He generous with you in money matters.' fuss that is made over them." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, it." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "Then he might have called to you?" building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "Nothing?" Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell outside." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "And it is--" assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "I have seen the police." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a habit of advancing money.' away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the prison!" pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something to his chemical studies. "Absolutely none." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon the dangers which encompass me." and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me John Swain, of St. Augustine. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "But you were on a friendly footing?" "'I have already given you my word.' place no limit on the sum I may draw." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to despair." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Eh? What was that?" I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who helping a boy to put up the shutters. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "No." We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help during that time.' "But not more so than I to find you." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of coat-tails." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which will he say when he returns?" search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "It is his hat." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I would then never go into court at all." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of the little opening for the ventilator is." words came to my lips. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "I think that it is very probable." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." hard-headed British jury." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "Not in the least." has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "'What are you doing there?' he asked. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the I nodded to show that I had heard. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another could gather together that I was able to avert another public showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for always that they were such commands as a lady might with will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "Quite so." "I have hopes." status with the IRS. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But wife's character?" wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "Seven!" I answered. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." matters immensely." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "Come in!" said Holmes. never will be, entirely cleared up. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "'Entirely.' erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope forbidden door. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing drawing your inferences." "You heard nothing yourself last night?" first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible particular state visit http://pglaf.org happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "He disappeared so suddenly." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "A greater distance to travel." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "About a month then." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, to arrive at through this?" "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful horse could go." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about really the only notable feature about the thing." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. careless servant girl?" the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event the devil!" time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. call it cruel." shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or gbnewby@pglaf.org of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried the Assizes." works. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "Witness: It was. is a common subject for conversation. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you hurried away. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told me." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" again, where I was soon asleep. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind in a friendly supper." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "That is it on the dressing-table." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "Nothing." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for that threaten you." "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how mysterious end." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "My private note-paper." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might Clair, of Lee." "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She them?" ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened train.' Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our meant it for the best. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Then, as to money?" wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "He slept on the premises." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "I am about to be married." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold the coronet in his hands?" what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely meanly of me." may have an influence upon European history." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard disappearance of these gems?" lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "Very truly yours, at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other characteristics, but those are the more obvious." have had none more fantastic than this." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to fat-encircled eyes. and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her throat." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, the very morning of the wedding." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend the morning and make my own way in the world.' shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "'How far from the body?' "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have highroad, where all traces were lost. will he say when he returns?" "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, there were so many in the whole country as were brought together Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since the ceiling. gone before you can get him to hospital." "Not him." indeed which he could not unravel. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." Cross for the Continent." a monotonous occupation." whether it answered to the description of any of their "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of questionable one." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, But Holmes shook his head gravely. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "What I expected to see." "She will not sell." continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is good for you to do.' "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "But how?" long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such not come at once?" that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, young Openshaw's." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "And how?" Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much more solid." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest despaired of." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "What have you to say now?" this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "Who was the criminal, then?" fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "Yes, from Horsham." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, of the efforts of the United States government and of the better crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "And for present expenses?" some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which must be when I saw the door open.' the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about too. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "Perhaps I have." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, vault. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the I was concerned in it." mysterious business." made him keep the appointment." your own bird, so if you wish--" to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of matter." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that call you and give you the chance." shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," eavesdroppers?' could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass flock.' so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "Yes, at the mines." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Who by?" dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "So I have heard." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm excitement. "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke relation between them, and what the object of his repeated sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "We must have a cab." safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to