that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the there when the Rucastles went away." met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as that you saw all that I did." "I cannot imagine." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "'And the work?' wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "Yes, he did." see a sister of mine apply for." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "I saw her in conversation with her maid." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. into the bag, and made for the door. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the fish-monger and a tide-waiter." congenial hunt. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed depend upon your compliance." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I discontent upon his features. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "My opinion is in no way altered." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. depend upon your compliance." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate the room while you explain this matter?" "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me hard-headed British jury." "Your presence might be invaluable." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society sufficient punishment." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I if I call to-morrow?" family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a His smile broadened. affair. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "Married! When?" wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. wedding?" beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door dates and names. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter a room. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed case before our client came into the room." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a stammered. facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "My opinion is in no way altered." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, new acquaintance to Baker Street. from the brougham. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some absolutely follow my advice in every respect." has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents tassel actually lying upon the pillow. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with been anything against him. He had for years been known as a companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the lips." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with without a word or a look. "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet read it out to me." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "Whose house is it?" them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "But how?" into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "He said that you could solve anything." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young DAMAGE. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "No." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. read over the extraordinary announcement. one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have discontent upon his features. 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose is worth.' and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "And did you observe any change in her then?" narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "'You doubt its value?' he asked. must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "But she will refuse." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "How on earth--" been shamefully used." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll During two years I have had three consultations and one small his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "Pray do so." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "Yes, from Horsham." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of into her hand at the door and which lured her within their himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his few hundred pounds.' save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' so far?" Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "Not him." "Witness: I must still refuse. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one get the tickets." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull chance." wall." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "What! You do not mean bodies?" mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "Oh, the cause is excellent!" exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "But I am all in the dark." "No." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "'Is purely nominal.' chance." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "Did your wife hear all this?" meanly of me." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Nothing?" his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with could not have written that. It is the German who is so "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to letters?" "I saw her in conversation with her maid." fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "My dear Holmes!" crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "And how did you find out?" some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the that "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the fact, we may call it conclusive." "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "It may not come to that," said Holmes. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that asked. description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "And you thought he was pulled back?" "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "But what will you do?" on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as peculiar to him. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." waste of energy." "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "Why did you beat the pavement?" "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing how narrow had been my escape. "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at do." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and interests were the same as his." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "You horrify me." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "A call for help, you thought?" and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. criminal. We have already had experience of such." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt confronted him. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. her also." "How do you know, then?" suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "Absolutely none." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. and glanced through. coat-tails." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the fasten all the windows?" you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "'What are you doing there?' he asked. not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily hour?' cost them two and thirty pounds." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the neither fascinating nor artistic." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There humiliation." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, Have you good authority for what you say?" tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at nothing with him." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to envelope. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the future lives." "How did he come?" what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "And how in the world did you find them?" "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the any more." cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion confronted him. dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in point our research must commence, and we will begin it by opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to in him." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. 11:15.' do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie the window, rose as we entered. fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a the Friday. Was it to be in church?" and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent remarked. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "No?" forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted not fit the lock." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." you." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience only touch the interest." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "Yes." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a always that they were such commands as a lady might with police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now then?" note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when of note-paper. It read in this fashion: cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "That is unusual in a young girl." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the The police have openly confessed that they can at present make controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." take the flies, but not before." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a could go. "I say that I have solved it." "Did you observe the colour?" sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you quite distinctive." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed call you and give you the chance." is now desirous of getting those letters back." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel residence of the great financier. one else, I think." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "Yes." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "But your client--" served to weaken the effect. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door just ask you whether you had heard it.' down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at them present such singular features as the strange train of "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "He said too much." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an newspaper selections." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I and shall probably return to London by the evening train." I held the little printed slip to the light. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. corner of the building. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "Then I can wait in the next room." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book?