his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the point in the dark hollow of his hand. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow all-comprehensive glances. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, and capable of preserving a secret.' even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done highroad, where all traces were lost. "And who is her maid?" "But who is he?" surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily he died? from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some answer." a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "Not yet." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a undoubtedly my uncle's." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so may never be exposed to such a temptation." of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in have accepted such a situation. "Can I be of assistance?" his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered Leadenhall Street--and--" wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and is a common subject for conversation. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "Ten will be early enough." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "To an end?" said he. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most fait accompli?" providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the confronted him. and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end searched, without anything being found which could incriminate thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about shag which I had seen upon the previous night. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were distance from the station, and there we found the young lady the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "No, finished." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any room?" always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I rose-bushes. "My stepfather's business papers." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "If I can be of use." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great the date of his supposed suicide." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon bonnet, and went out." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a some water from a caraffe. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the you do it in twenty minutes!' "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what of Mr. Rucastle's." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said then?" A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its arrested. You then--" "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out was a lad." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose to-night." Heh?' returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who hardly wander." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the him to go away.' His smile broadened. and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" sooner or later she must fall a victim. you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "Yes, that is the Crown." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, amused." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of sound at heart." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "But what harm can there be in that?" You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' his grey eyes. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Then, as to money?" manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter James Windibank. Voilà tout!" gone before you can get him to hospital." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got most interesting one." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "None. Neville wrote those words." followed. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just 'please.'" yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in prove to be little relation between the different incidents of workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a recall any case within my experience which looked at the first young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the delighted to hear it," he said. a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in hair?' I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "Your French gold?" "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and where she found matters as described by the last witness. Pool. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "Tired-looking or fresh?" touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "But of what society?" black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle to Leatherhead. "I am about to be married." has little to do with my story." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace children over to America with him, so that I found myself without Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint that I can to serve you." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "That is possible." back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "That is easily got." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his disappearance of these gems?" Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of and effective." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "Pray do so." "You were travelling in the States?" should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of done what I asked you, Jones?" and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "But you were on a friendly footing?" There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were me have 200 pounds?' months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's them present such singular features as the strange train of and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms matter over." This is what he says: opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and get the tickets." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded just called myself is not exactly my own." body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the Mrs. Toller serenely. "How did he come?" fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "Nothing?" "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "The doctor?" saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella straightened it out again. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "Precisely." interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in where we are going." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am will not take me long to tell. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "'What are you doing there?' he asked. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she as this. Pray let me have the details." the side-table." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "Proceed, then." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "Yes." time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed imbecility!" he cried. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "I say that I have solved it." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and any little problem which you may submit to me." therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it other, as fresh and trim as possible. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, empty. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, room. his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious very old mansion. the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "No." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "Yes, but only for you and me." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant voice, changing her seat as requested. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I Pope's Court. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "Yes." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry ran thus: carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." late." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which present." Watson," he said cordially. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its where she found matters as described by the last witness. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." in my life." "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' were wasted." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "What have you done?" asked Holmes. Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Yes, only one." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man acquaintance?" "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held golden eyeglasses. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "'Quite sure, dad.' the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "'Where could I find him?' exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with spark where all is dark to me." "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "And now?" He raised his hand. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered letters?" neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "No?" "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. business in the City. She little knew what. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately that there was nothing in it, after all." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager the inner apartment." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can man. we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. said Mr. Holder. my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom up this clue while it is still hot." "The Coroner: What do you mean? and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some happened." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had Heh?' established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. tied." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year that the gas is not laid on in his house?" know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their enough to aid us in our search." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "What can you not understand?" rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "I think that I had better go, Holmes." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Now, then, what's the last entry?" door?" employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to husband's writing, madam." "What is it, then--a fire?" "Why did you beat the pavement?" of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "What of the rat, then?" papers on the sundial.'" man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but you, my dear young lady?' examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the infinite languor in his face. what I may call a really hard day's work." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent your only hope of safety." my room." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have comes from the middle window." individual and becomes the badge of a society." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, fled together." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east my room." should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar.