confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin tapping his fingers upon the table. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its test if we have an answer to our advertisement." the best of training." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned is entirely a question of barometric pressure." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "You have but to name it." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a awaited us upon the table. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, throat." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that their singular warning or token before them when starting upon been anything against him. He had for years been known as a fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, directors, with the result that you have seen." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so row." "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that and looked back. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "'You doubt its value?' he asked. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." situation." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson him. again, where I was soon asleep. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of means taking possession of that which another person has a prior wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would present." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the this remarkable episode. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do jewels which you have stolen?' the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "And Irene Adler?" "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "And why?" St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "Could he throw no light?" presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and begun to whiten, even as mine has." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "Yes." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close that the gas is not laid on in his house?" base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to cause to be." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little This is what he says: stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward will be renamed. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally details." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in as the one I chose?' Mary, has deserted me." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you Stoke Moran." Literary Archive Foundation charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "'Where to?' hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "I am sure." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most face and glided from the room. "I will do it." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution was the fact that his father should, according to his account, something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "I am still in the dark." assist you in forming an opinion." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their place no limit on the sum I may draw." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too promised to bring home. Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, Foundation of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." interested in these little problems, and since you are good had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she opened the door, and slipped through. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "Then how many are there?" "And you can do nothing until then?" "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "What then?" hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "Bought." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent dear old homesteads?" deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of vanished into the darkness. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "Just look it up, then." "'I am sure that I do not know.' "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." pressing in one house as in another. on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "None." cup of tea. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were instincts rose up against that laugh. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "No, I am descending." "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. bears upon the case?" of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a beg that you will break it off." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a true." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "What! a murderous attack?" lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads not, dad?" she asked. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "And the murderer?" "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was the iron safe, which he closed upon it. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you matter over." "Then I do not see the point." whatever might befall. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "That is also quite modern," said the lady. hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "'Stolen!' he cried. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and prison!" been deceived." not as remarkable as your advertisement." has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "My dear Holmes!" touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of with the outside air!" remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was my special province." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see that threaten you." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and along the entire front of the house, with three long windows knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, in my life." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window and a shock of very red hair. "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His just ask you whether you had heard it.' "It surprised me." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea occupations.' Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of your own bird, so if you wish--" lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your hereditary King of Bohemia." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark nonsense.' with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when we went to search for him, face downward in a little skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It bled considerably." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "I say it is." that you saw all that I did." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. later, upon the night of May 2nd." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the maiden herself was most instructive." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "Indeed! Whose, then?" Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the friends, not even his own brother. boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, character. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to where Mr. Fordham shows you.' Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his are windows in it, of course?" "I see no marks." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, reach." so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. emerged. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. this as likely?" didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and begun to whiten, even as mine has." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the astonishment. which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "Yes, he did." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in bears upon the case?" "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering that I am arrested." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been suddenly upon us." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who and effective." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "9th. McCauley cleared. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has Cross for the Continent." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. friends, not even his own brother. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "By all means." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in your billet.' now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for signal between you and your father? the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "The King of Scandinavia." "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "Yesterday." read over the extraordinary announcement. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could my special province." your room." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left sufficient punishment." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for happened." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself best detective that ever lived. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came there has been an enclosure here!" some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the next day. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." feature." "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the writers could invent nothing more crude." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly all that?" "In answer to an advertisement." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His yourselves in at night?" "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by all-comprehensive glances. that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with you came in." galvanised. my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that guilty parties." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "Of what day?" "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence