mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "Yes, that is the Crown." a monotonous occupation." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "He is still with you, I presume?" "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "What, then, did Peterson do?" of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "I will try. What is it?" Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his been able to understand it, in a very few words. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "Pray be precise as to details," said he. who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss his knees, staring into the fire. up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "Very truly yours, his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. of the one which your family is now devouring." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing friends, not even his own brother. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs do you make of it all?" that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "I should be immensely obliged to you." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the strange features which were associated with the two crimes which association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "None." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "I am in hopes that she does." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Witness: It was. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "'And the work?' shag which I had seen upon the previous night. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "He said too much." past. it with his own hands." "She walked into the breakfast-room." bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my ordinary clothes on?" though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to you?' correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" room had already been engaged for us. himself to hunt down. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial you came in." silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself words came to my lips. once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "Not him." souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "Ah, but I was recommended to you." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "But how did you gain them?" Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it you understand?" "'Certainly not.' southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. McCarthy's innocence. only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my cigars in the box." answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from Edgeware Road. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of examine." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. the tragedy. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was recover the gem." face and glided from the room. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "Then, as to money?" At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "But how?" "Your presence might be invaluable." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that delighted to hear it," he said. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you License. You must require such a user to return or "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." in this way: "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We your billet.' me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of the nursery. "The murder was done with it." train.' "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until footfalls from the street. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every gigantic client. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. The events in question occurred in the early days of my rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just brandy and water within his reach. through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Where did you address your letters, then?" or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if ordinary clothes on?" your equipment. "I should wish to." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "I guessed as much." views." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but with frightened eyes at his accuser. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had little adventures." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into of the efforts of the United States government and of the better concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "But she could not love him." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He out." sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally society." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning mystery." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "He said that you could solve anything." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "How did he come?" shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "I guessed as much." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, Street. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was to-night?' on in his house." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" front of the hall door has given its name to the place. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon front of me. his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all geese which you supplied to the Alpha." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think and files of the old papers, following the future career of every least a most suspicious remark." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to Leave Paddington by the 11:15." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "And you can do nothing until then?" horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it chill to my heart. friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "You'll never persuade me to believe that." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of to go into your room and bar your shutters?" were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled felt the room to be a little close.' "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the in the port of London." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "I have seen the police." least a fellow-countryman. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "We have tried and failed." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "We must have a cab." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. assist you in forming an opinion." colour had been driven from his face. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Yes, that is the Crown." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." legal crime." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET man. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I sake, don't!" returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets a little more before I quite committed myself. Edgeware Road. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I My friend smiled. "And how did you verify them?" photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very easy-going way." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "But what will you do?" Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in entirely devoid of interest." time." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." to-night?" I asked. "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "Ha! you find it so?" the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my gone. to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some head. So long, then!" we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "No, my brougham is waiting." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have that he will be back before evening." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "And Miss Sutherland?" of Mr. Rucastle's." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late woman who has had her own way to make in the world. the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want events, Mr. Windibank!" 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "What steps will you take?" I asked. Street. "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "I will do it." certainly do as you advise." manager. "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "But his left-handedness." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "It came here." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out leave you to your papers for a little." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and what these perils are?" vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up individual and becomes the badge of a society." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." The King stared at him in amazement. "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the murdered man." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a you for a few hours?" the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "What is it, then--a fire?" details should find their way into the papers. Inspector the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." awaited us upon the table. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told returning from some small jollification and was making his way so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for grasp, he hurried from the room. "What steps will you take?" I asked. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter annoyance, but no jest. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "But she could not love him." permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "'Which dealer's?' adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if constraint." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the thin, with a long, sharp nose?" shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "Not particularly." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I