rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "What will you do, then?" we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is or other trace. But how on earth--" professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" were new raised from a basin. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to one of them." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about shag which I had seen upon the previous night. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't and effective." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." must compliment you." begun to whiten, even as mine has." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out You want to know what became of those geese?" my former friend and companion. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "To the police?" "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble with frightened eyes at his accuser. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "You don't mind breaking the law?" "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt strange features which were associated with the two crimes which the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "Certainly." analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "Yes." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Really! You surprise me." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to and shall probably return to London by the evening train." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an man. the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call back into the street. "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a this man was intellectual?" "Perfectly so." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the my secret was safe in his possession. "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "No." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "The decline of his fortunes, then?" then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband people don't know." will be renamed. "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it not fit the lock." smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage know all about it," he snarled. to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, your billet.' hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a straighten it?" over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. served to weaken the effect. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You pictures, libraries, or plate. "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his quite distinctive." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to was a perfect sample of the class. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but bachelor.' "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love call for it in person on Monday morning.' there were so many in the whole country as were brought together know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much and capable of preserving a secret.' "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my not fit the lock." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him conduct the inquiry." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "When did she vanish, then?" through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "'Certainly not. But why?' daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, to Leatherhead. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "Yes, certainly." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Won't it ring?" bonnet, and went out." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "It is possible." "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "Perfectly so." hair?' nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and late." "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, less than 26s. 4d. that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the gives a meaning to it." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the to that open window." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." as noiselessly as she had come. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave into the bag, and made for the door. this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was of this gang." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." again, where I was soon asleep. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. hour." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "Why did you beat the pavement?" train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss will find little credit to be gained out of this case." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "And how?" "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the until night should bring an explanation. "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the once more. Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting you came in." she used." see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," my little problems." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for beyond words. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still enter into my head. "Your sister is dead, then?" card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "Perhaps we may make them less so." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" on in his house." imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her tail." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "What can it mean?" I gasped. seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By appeared upon the scene." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying his cane at the bell-pull. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of jewels which you have stolen?' deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "Will you go?" better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear to-night's adventure." went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should Mary, has deserted me." go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he not use it unless it is absolutely needed." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "No good news?" "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "And you can do nothing until then?" The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all be.' threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "Holmes, the busybody!" There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "Did you become engaged then?" his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned go from here to the Strand." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a photograph?" Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." washing it down with a long draught of water. "Always." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my flock.' so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the advice." you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. wedding?" new acquaintance to Baker Street. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "Pray do so." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your read over the extraordinary announcement. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you maiden herself was most instructive." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "It is very clear." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "My dear Holmes!" read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in you." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "About a month then." her also." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "But he might be a bachelor." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master and effective." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so which it had come upon my father." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately whole matter to your consideration." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have other lovers by making love himself." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a You can understand that this register and diary may implicate considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." infinite languor in his face. immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "And leave your case unfinished?" "Then how many are there?" and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take Eyford." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did tapping his fingers upon the table. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to developed." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get felt?" the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing here." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life over his head with a sweet womanly caress.