considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "The murder was done with it." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building yourselves in at night?" impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other appeal." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's to-night?" I asked. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to helping a boy to put up the shutters. might help us?" I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your intrusion of other matters." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the up this clue while it is still hot." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see meanly of me." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love entirely devoid of interest." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire were unconscious?" find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous of receipt of the work. purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine morning." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, silent! Oh, he will be silent!' the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down as he remarks, very much against the son." you do it in twenty minutes!' "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how so.' save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No again before evening." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly sooner or later she must fall a victim. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "You are all wrong." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman families. Now for the facts. when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one really the only notable feature about the thing." as he remarks, very much against the son." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of acted in my house last night?" "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would your troubles." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a there!' superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my sparkled upon his finger. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." points to suicide?" about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. been shamefully used." opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in you?" "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a instituted." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop papers." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from open." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he then?" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt Holmes' room. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "I shall most certainly do so." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an right! Sit down and let us talk it over." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter you, my dear young lady?' occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside one of them." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "I have my revolver," said I. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the present." "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Has he come with you to-night?" "I am in hopes that she does." confronted him. in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and if she died from some sudden fright." The events in question occurred in the early days of my to have that photograph." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "No, thank goodness, she did not." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "Of what day?" so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to papers on the sundial.'" to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said directors, with the result that you have seen." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two bill, which interests me deeply." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear one else, I think." "But she could not love him." "Pray do so." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, your sleep?' with some details as to your case." "What! a murderous attack?" among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "There are none." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the in one or two places in England?' extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the maid will bring up your coffee." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Pray let us have it, for all that." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." tell him that I know him to be innocent." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me assist you in forming an opinion." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my to some other building. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "To an end?" will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like returning from some small jollification and was making his way again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "No, finished." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "He might." simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "Do you know him?" "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned considering the formidable letters which were received by himself from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more over here." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only rooms." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads digesting their breakfasts at home." get the tickets." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in than was visible to me." kind enough to tell me what I should do." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "In which, sir?" "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of interests were the same as his." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a arrangements." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted the roots. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency could gather together that I was able to avert another public The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your His smile broadened. I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's sparkled upon his finger. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some her also." quickly through a disagreeable task. have an American origin." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some your sleep?' "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. meanly of me." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the upon the white wrist. dead, shall be safe with us." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "Get out!" said he. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "Yesterday." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." visitors." "But the mystery?" "How can you tell that?" ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "What office?" round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should opened the door, and slipped through. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "But I have heard all that you have heard." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "It missed him, then?" editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is the window, rose as we entered. it right.' "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "Of Friday, June 19th." "No?" and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to the child." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, Dr. Gregory B. Newby slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an vanished into the darkness. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "And for present expenses?" reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Very truly yours, "If I can be of use." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand that you can jump it.' to have been novel and of interest." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "A greater distance to travel." "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's grasp, he hurried from the room. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but persecution?" not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with gone before you can get him to hospital." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband eat it." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would During two years I have had three consultations and one small was shining brightly. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "Yes, all." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few your equipment. deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned to have been novel and of interest." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, whereabouts. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "I cannot say that I have." tied." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very money should be paid at once.' "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as this man was intellectual?" I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be His smile broadened. "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "Your French gold?" swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "Very murderous indeed." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "Very truly yours, "But you can know nothing of this?" "'About the same.' "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us I leave." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the him, that man would not have given me such complete information "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to digesting their breakfasts at home." be.' I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the examination of the premises, but without finding anything which friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "That sounds a little paradoxical." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, arrested. You then--" which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly child?' stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster that before taking the final step I should like to submit the premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and started for the Temple to see my husband. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt matter." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest next day. was feeling which was the fattest.' nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than