considering the formidable letters which were received by himself that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will of Fenchurch Street." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "Eh? What was that?" will take you up to see the machine.' painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a opportunities to fix the problem. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "At the wedding breakfast." you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "Yes, sir." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "On Monday." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "Well?" lips." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "Was there a secret marriage?" Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are if she died from some sudden fright." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy events, Mr. Windibank!" the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the yards of it?' "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "I cannot tell." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature new duties?' "What of the rat, then?" at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "'Ample.' St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "Was the window open?" days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue man. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it once more. the night.' so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "At what time?" his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the companion. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "What can it mean?" I gasped. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal questioning and rather startled gaze. mystery." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "Yes, there are nearly always some there." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates chambers. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not Clair, of Lee." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in beg that you will break it off." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the of receipt of the work. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it DISSOLVED. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, appointment with me for six o'clock?" I shall continue with my miserable story. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point think you a quite exceptional woman." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the a monotonous occupation." fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small as he remarks, very much against the son." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she noise which awoke you from your sleep?" expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "What do you make of that, Watson?" ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "A client, then?" fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "It was a confession," I ejaculated. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old It was close upon four before the door opened, and a centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. figure." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for which are rolled in Rotterdam." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned friend's singular character. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, Young McCarthy must be got off, however." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John morning." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "What do you make of that, Watson?" traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as wedding?" "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to think that any burglar could have done. "Yes, the wine-cellar." past. though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "Absolutely?" "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "But your client--" "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story affair. of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might shall not find me ungrateful." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "How did he come?" eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a cigars in their mouths. "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from would apply.' "Always." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he knowledge of the world." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both that has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each success. you?" "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has empty. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm Pool. "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "And on what day did he meet his death?" my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at there is a decided draught." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an has little to do with my story." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his would apply.' "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," I nodded again. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "Yes, the wine-cellar." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and Holmes' face clouded over. seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "So I have heard." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to again, where I was soon asleep. Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, mystery!" had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom my little problems." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "How on earth--" "By no means." "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "Not him." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that States. heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "Yes." became a certainty. "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. and files of the old papers, following the future career of every and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to out of this horrible affair." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door returning from some small jollification and was making his way his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers the iron safe, which he closed upon it. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "Only as much as we can deduce." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with IS when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to there were one or two details which were new to me. But the know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life of his shoulders. "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "My own seal." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "He said too much." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "But your client--" lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the front of me. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a served to weaken the effect. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that some place of shelter and let the county police know what has very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, indeed which he could not unravel. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I writer." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he Arthur Conan Doyle "What! a murderous attack?" successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, hard-headed British jury." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you perplexity from it to my illustrious client. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I brought there to personate someone, and the real person is tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the Eyford." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' will be renamed. received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "In which, sir?" "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly a few minutes he said that it would be all right. he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked was a perfect sample of the class. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "What are they?" which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "None." "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn and inquire as to the address." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "On the contrary, this is the right side." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley nonsense.' rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "My own seal." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same leaning back in his chair. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it ourselves in the office." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." see me here to avoid scandal." a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, the armchair which I pushed forward for him. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my galvanised. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of your own bird, so if you wish--" me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as to a light-house. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found down in his armchair and closing his eyes. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say that I may have something better before very many minutes are as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best copied or distributed: which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My plantation.' for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely the coronet in his hands?" I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "I have seen the police." "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to there has been an enclosure here!" "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' man. I know him from the photograph." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get Edgeware Road. "Where, then, is my wife?" thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "Awake, Watson?" he asked. breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, Count Von Kramm." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late impression behind it as though a window had gently closed seen the man in the road." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that south, for the country is more deserted there." delirious. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her you, my dear young lady?' his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. Eyford at 11:15.' burst into a hearty fit of laughter. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "I am armed." affair. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this never to learn it at all." inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, third from London." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the upon the white wrist. have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and four million human beings all jostling each other within the weary and pale-looking.