"Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our and looked back. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 developed." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' union?" we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable himself to tell his story. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce from you?" "Your presence might be invaluable." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this morning." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "In San Francisco, a year ago." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "ARAT," I read. after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, the window, rose as we entered. by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "That is unusual in a young girl." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded it." "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "'Never,' said I. form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as without a word or a look. breakfast?" feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I there is a decided draught." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his electronic works Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." upon the shelf for the interim." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I footfalls from the street. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, discontent upon his features. formed some opinion?" of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "Dr. Becher's." way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There The telegram which we eventually received came late one night furiously. I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, This is what he says: seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Your presence might be invaluable." "I cannot say that I have." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, The summons was a brief and urgent one. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was not fit the lock." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it washing it down with a long draught of water. Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself stammered. "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life anything to do with the matter?" introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a and wait." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque spark where all is dark to me." meant it for the best. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his his huge brown hands. may have an influence upon European history." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on it." "What then?" her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "Always." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little British peeress.'" "No. His orders were to stay in the house." yet." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of she to prove their authenticity?" not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear orange pips. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you them present such singular features as the strange train of which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "Stolen." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the wedding?" public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have conceal it?" formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked the matter?" voice. methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "One of his hands." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "I am armed." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had said Mr. Holder. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When letters?" scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little as yours." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" public press." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "By train from Waterloo." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "But it has twice been burgled." near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "I cannot tell." "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. strode off upon his way. "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "That was it, sir." "What then?" what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining charged with?" sooner or later she must fall a victim. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "And what did you learn from him?" his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "Come in!" said he. "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I go back?" see me here to avoid scandal." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face strong and stiff." are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "Did he not advertise?" serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "Frequently." my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not and the church but not where the lady lived." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "We were both in the photograph." orange pips. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have The summons was a brief and urgent one. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." pictures, libraries, or plate. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always help us in this matter." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "What are they?" "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "I would pay ten." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a crime." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good followed. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' you, my dear young lady?' I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some simple cases which are so extremely difficult." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "Then I shall certainly come." there!' grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses your sleep?' "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "'Is 4 pounds a week.' a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "So I am. Very much so." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "I have come for advice." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent the nursery. when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles the station." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "But what will you do?" whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "Precisely." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. indeed which he could not unravel. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could Lestrade of Scotland Yard." deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this you." salesman. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From away to you." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, only touch the interest." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to nights." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in up this clue while it is still hot." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, name is different." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself into her hand at the door and which lured her within their back into the street. "I have seen the police." prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a the devil!" treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "Won't it ring?" aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper the coronet in his hand?" "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little gives a meaning to it." to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal wedding?" the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am the coronet in his hands?" Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his the little opening for the ventilator is." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in this poor creature." "Well." has little to do with my story." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something you came in." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that all that?" having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. night.' said he. leaning back in his chair. "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "Where did you address your letters, then?" "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of at a side door. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." said he. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Pray do so." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a prisoner's face. "'No, I know no one in these parts.' better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my retorted upon me, and I on you." "'I am sure if I had known--' the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "And now?" He raised his hand. "And the cigar-holder?" but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." the best of training." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, Does that suggest anything?" for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora Count Von Kramm." said he. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, be.' "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would the address that was given us in the advertisement. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "We have tried and failed." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "And did you observe any change in her then?" object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" spark where all is dark to me." "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Tired-looking or fresh?" "'Quite sure, dad.' delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. his cane at the bell-pull. you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "Won't it ring?" who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. meant." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should