to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "And you don't know his address?" "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "'As governess?' something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense License. You must require such a user to return or "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the mystery may be cleared along those lines." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "I guessed as much." discontent upon his features. jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and and capable of preserving a secret.' "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good these bleak autumnal evenings." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "Yes, it would be as well." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the society." "I was afraid that you were engaged." agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back green of the new foliage. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he certainly not very gracious." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here at home. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us thirty. to miss it." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "What are they?" swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's my little problems." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, are, I think, all that we need." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at nonsense.' was the fact that his father should, according to his account, of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his wedding?" "How are you getting on?" one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "Ample." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had peculiar to him. held up the lantern and gazed about him. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less nothing with him." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and conceal it?" felt the room to be a little close.' my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at fire. You quite follow me?" suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "Is he quiet?" "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he telegram would bring me down to your help." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of Doctor, of the paper and the date." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir seem to you to be relevant or not." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the Holmes. were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not your own bird, so if you wish--" suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." side. or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small Holmes' room. fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His at a side door. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and I leave." bedroom door." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "Yes." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque one of the states of the Union." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. of this gang." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter note?" colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be congenial hunt. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it in my life." "He said that you could solve anything." my friend's incisive reasoning. "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the how narrow had been my escape. must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "My private note-paper." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of was the fact that his father should, according to his account, galvanised. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, throat." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "No, I think that I'll take it." redistribution. "I say that I have solved it." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "'Certainly,' I answered. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. appeared upon the scene." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "You think that he is dead?" and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is indeed happy." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "Come in!" said he. details." "Her father is very rich?" as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me both be extremely obliged.' contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch Munro.' grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall any more." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "I should be immensely obliged to you." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon you?" second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My enter Dr. Roylott's room." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace jewels which you have stolen?' I. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "How are you getting on?" He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears the coroner come to?" souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the for the market.' "'Where to?' III. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is the address that was given us in the advertisement. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "Do you receive much company?" he asked. his face which made him a very different person to the round, coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which morning." have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the visitors." my friend's incisive reasoning. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did waste of energy." practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has be.' "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than bell. Holmes whistled. Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "You have a clue?" no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the and put his glass in his pocket. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a directors have had misgivings upon the subject." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' begin with, and I had not got mine yet." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have think you a quite exceptional woman." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, public press." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "Not particularly." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a horse could go." hurried by. heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a 'I should be able to look after that for you.' reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a locked. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you pressing in one house as in another. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing following enigmatical notices: great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal whereabouts. ordinary clothes on?" her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, hands. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "'Yes, I promise.' and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' someone who had been in Australia." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "'Which dealer's?' copied or distributed: success. that he has suffered." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "Yes, it would be as well." matter over." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. go--none." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity strength." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press bell. Holmes whistled. provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to Holmes' room. undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "What I expected to see." pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "'I have already given you my word.' "I do." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to Holmes." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as Pope's Court. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that morning." the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "What?" families. Now for the facts. memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "And your mother is alive?" and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and to Leatherhead. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start hour." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "What I expected to see." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "I should like to see him very much." in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out