I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a strong and stiff." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't think, you have already met." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you absolutely follow my advice in every respect." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same back alive. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white letters?" left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." figure." "And why?" "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, of your young ladies.' squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was The events in question occurred in the early days of my when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Then I am your man." furiously. scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our forbidden door. again, where I was soon asleep. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "His face fell immediately. profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with my friend's incisive reasoning. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your His name is Francis Prosper." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her during that time.' foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, grasp, he hurried from the room. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, of his shoulders. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a the salesman. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you address. husband's writing, madam." Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but congratulate you again." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you to tell." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George country, and eventually married, without anyone having a tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite of them has the shutters up.' Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' question you as to those details which seem to me to be most opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "Just look it up, then." "And how did you find out?" said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." companion quietly. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "'There is a drive, then?' into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I sound at heart." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "About a month then." "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices cigars in their mouths. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. eavesdroppers?' for securing the situation." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the tail." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "What are they?" brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" he. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, she has been waylaid. There has been no result." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "'Stolen!' he cried. "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "By no means." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the promised to bring home. "'I have heard so.' Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door instincts rose up against that laugh. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent bled considerably." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "In heaven's name, what for?" "The decline of his fortunes, then?" yet." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work such attractions and accomplishments?' whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the them?" Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the of the efforts of the United States government and of the better too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "It is half-past ten now." "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements the room while you explain this matter?" and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "Ten will be early enough." the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." fashion which was peculiar to him. strength of mind to control. my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted companion quietly. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was them present such singular features as the strange train of as yours." "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even coroner's jury." the running down." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "Yes, he did." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "Imitated." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are present." even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of place no limit on the sum I may draw." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, fishes. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "Your French gold?" eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and some place of shelter and let the county police know what has be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "What! a murderous attack?" I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what grasp, he hurried from the room. grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "Oh, fresh and glossy." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "I should wish to." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it society." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "And leave your case unfinished?" now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of quick march!" "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my have had none more fantastic than this." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could this remarkable episode. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you meant it for the best. certainly do as you advise." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "What then?" consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a wife's character?" matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now place of silver." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this before, for it was considerably after midnight. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke up this clue while it is still hot." Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe your only hope of safety." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "It came here." second window is the one that I jumped from." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian with you alone." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "'I shall certainly be there.' one of the states of the Union." "A client, then?" he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked his wife has ceased to love him." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another friends, not even his own brother. "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right union?" you." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a up this clue while it is still hot." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "What will you do, then?" that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "From his hat?" "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every plantation.' gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "Yes." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "No bad?" the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question of Mr. Rucastle's." "I do." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our future lives." instituted." manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "But you have hopes?" thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than joking. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "Yesterday." case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it as the one I chose?' the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, power." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. believe that I should never have any practice at all. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." tightly behind him. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "Ten will be early enough." his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in but preventing her from injuring another. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some front of me. furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "Yes, all." breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper father's place of business?" often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for giving me time to thank him. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "It is very clear." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "A greater distance to travel." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "'How far from the body?' point our research must commence, and we will begin it by web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person investigation." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a next day. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to astonishment. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was ourselves in the office." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my call the police, let the police find what they can.' "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" Again Holmes raved in the air. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy is so. I know all about McCarthy." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm obstinate." "What then?" serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "Won't it ring?" the warnings." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said again on its way. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into Does that suggest anything?" moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Game for a morning drive?" young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact works. See paragraph 1.E below. the Red-headed League." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "My last client of the sort was a king." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "From his hat?" "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be Holmes rather sternly. the salesman. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her one of them." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a shadow pass over his face as I spoke. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "How are you getting on?" "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in Leave Paddington by the 11:15." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "We must sit without light. He would see it through the heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled morning." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased fait accompli?" over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" voice. part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." occupations.' cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had place, I think that there is good ground to think that the wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, suspect him." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the