"The rest you will leave in our hands." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a to change my dress. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only written, and locked the door of the office after me. room?" table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a me where it went to?" deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered a monotonous occupation." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "Where to?" too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "This photograph!" your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "Then he might have called to you?" hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and His name is Francis Prosper." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is have an American origin." at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming must compliment you." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, other, as fresh and trim as possible. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with The police have openly confessed that they can at present make you." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the newspaper selections." "Imitated." wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the that?' already been minutely examined." for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near possible that we could bring him back to her? accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, would apply.' in him." against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "I never have." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "Of Friday, June 19th." back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' she to prove their authenticity?" "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms For additional contact information: late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips families. Now for the facts. all?" sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "'Which dealer's?' master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "How many? I don't know." "None. Neville wrote those words." gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "Where did he live, then?" at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "Did you become engaged then?" "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "Entirely." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "But who is he?" "Then you may entirely rely on me." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of is acting for the best. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. Sutherland?" my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. it." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "In San Francisco, a year ago." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for again, where I was soon asleep. "And how have you succeeded?" events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "And now?" He raised his hand. "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "Pray do so." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "'Then let me do so?' success. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a could gather together that I was able to avert another public me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door matter over." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must correct than the official force." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "Ten will be early enough." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, to affect your life." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it ourselves in the office." "'Is purely nominal.' the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "'About the same.' "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened is so. I know all about McCarthy." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "That is unusual in a young girl." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "That is it on the dressing-table." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the father's young wife. "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. the Assizes." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the tell me that you intended to go into harness." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "At half-wages, in fact." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which the Friday. Was it to be in church?" wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle writers could invent nothing more crude." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "What then?" Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, gives a meaning to it." the morning and make my own way in the world.' will take you up to see the machine.' generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from once more on the important position which you have been fortunate nothing with him." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really ourselves in the office." tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that any." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "You did not overhear what they said?" trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's which it had come upon my father." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be careless servant girl?" As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. the Red-headed League." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "Which are?" informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "I was sure that I might rely on you." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an the general public were present, then?" third from London." which was all perfectly true. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "I shall most certainly do so." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "No, I am descending." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. yet." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my to you." I think that I could be of assistance to you." manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I Countess of Morcar's?" information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "No, I think that I'll take it." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in It may be so in this case, also." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "No, I think that I'll take it." "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled became a certainty. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What of the way of danger. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and into her hand at the door and which lured her within their vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." late!' whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "Who was the criminal, then?" horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian then?" nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six off." "What office?" are windows in it, of course?" "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, to go into your room and bar your shutters?" Leave Paddington by the 11:15." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "On Monday." colour had been driven from his face. "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; interested in these little problems, and since you are good important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "How many? I don't know." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in as this. Pray let me have the details." freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up lost his Christmas dinner." affection." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, one else, I think." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "'Stolen!' he cried. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to said he. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "I cannot tell." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was place of silver." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It him nearly every evening." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across be there in time for your coming." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have him!" "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "What are they?" never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the off." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "Dr. Becher's." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "Yes." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill I nodded to show that I had heard. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been because she had spent so short a time in this country that she and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away never to learn it at all." there." "Certainly." to go into your room and bar your shutters?" presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his in. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your ourselves in the office." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "Yes?" year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a the Red-headed League." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord your room." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and might have a private word with us. believe that I should never have any practice at all. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of too. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and in him." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? me where it went to?" we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in highly," said Holmes. once more for Briony Lodge. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "No bad?" abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "Won't it ring?" to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "And I say east," said my patient. police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether where she found matters as described by the last witness. "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, way in everything. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take excitement. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in interest. They are important, you understand, without being stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "'I am sure if I had known--' waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and green of the new foliage. "Yes, he did." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without second window is the one that I jumped from." affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not some city in a dream. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which fled together." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend go--none." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. the warnings." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "'Entirely.' difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "Married! When?"