is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "Can I be of assistance?" when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are now. It seems that there had been some informality about their were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "In heaven's name, what for?" "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box Henry Baker is a member." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, at once, for I have only half an hour." papers diligently of late, have you not?" "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "But what will you do?" as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the murdered man." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house golden eyeglasses. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend train from Paddington which would bring you there at about direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If the morning and make my own way in the world.' I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. furiously. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "'You doubt its value?' he asked. this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "I think that it is very probable." direction." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. thin legs towards the fire. be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to of the one which your family is now devouring." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "It must be recovered." young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of papers on the sundial.'" heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "'No, I know no one in these parts.' sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his important." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "And did you observe any change in her then?" chamber." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept http://www.gutenberg.net "No, distinctly professional." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't of." how narrow had been my escape. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from again on its way. and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You and no precautions can guard against." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at minor matters until to-morrow." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "None. Neville wrote those words." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "You think so, too?" "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "That is also quite modern," said the lady. must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in that I can to serve you." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found results." sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. in this note: absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are been shamefully used." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little approach us with offers to donate. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "Deserted you?" Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was noting anything else of interest. Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "My dear Holmes!" down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and he bowed and left the room without another word. written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "Ample." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "Oh, the cause is excellent!" livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." on re-entering her father's house?" planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "I am armed." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "Never to return." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "When did she vanish, then?" lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Yes. He waved his hands." "'In my own bureau.' Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "Have you it here?" towards the blaze. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the away to you." "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, down from London to inquire more deeply into it." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you your sleep?' once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "The King of Scandinavia." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and that I can to serve you." I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre late." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "But what is it you wish?" in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "The Cedars?" perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he father's young wife. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, young Openshaw's." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw was used.' that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a union?" the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." results." to tackle the facts." "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "Dirty?" stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone room had already been engaged for us. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress remarked. signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two to where he stood hid behind the curtain. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." figure." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into I think that I could be of assistance to you." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the business?" Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." Miss Holder?" unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Is he quiet?" girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a where she found matters as described by the last witness. them present such singular features as the strange train of front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of deduce something from that?" coat-tails." me. You must get home instantly and act." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there be. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an room?" singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but there." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "9th. McCauley cleared. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "I have a cab outside." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "Pray continue your narrative." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings simple cases which are so extremely difficult." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all conduct the inquiry." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait meant." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's point in the dark hollow of his hand. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "She showed me, as I told you she would." nonsense.' With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "Ample." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "She showed me, as I told you she would." the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" you." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg I took the paper from him and read as follows: door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. him!" sake, don't!" arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "No more words. Get out!" assist you in forming an opinion." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't ago." quite distinctive." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. me, and I could not think that his explanation of the liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' strong and stiff." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "Never." "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "Come in!" said Holmes. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "Breckinridge is his name." matters immensely." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "Seven!" I answered. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "Precisely." lamp in his hand. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years hard-headed British jury." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "I have my revolver," said I. "I was sure that I might rely on you." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began that I may have something better before very many minutes are my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say face and glided from the room. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "He disappeared so suddenly." stammered. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table there when the Rucastles went away." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." confronted him. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "Which surely he restored to their owner?" whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "9th. McCauley cleared. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman waste of energy." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to whole matter to your consideration." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. said I. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your views." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a Again Holmes raved in the air. 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "Thank you. Pray proceed." so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous visitors." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a mysterious end." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "I think that it is very probable." possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the call you and give you the chance." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we approach us with offers to donate. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with with you?" during that time.' stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "It is true that I have been generally successful." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own.