cigars in the box." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when tied." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by round and wave him away like that.' the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "That is unusual in a young girl." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "Were they all fastened this morning?" "VIOLET HUNTER." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to system of imprisonment?" "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, cost them two and thirty pounds." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a knowledge of the world." Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? fire. You quite follow me?" caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "Certainly." "Entirely." lost his Christmas dinner." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "'Never.' fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, to have been novel and of interest." "So I have heard." "And I say east," said my patient. street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is to-night." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the through." "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but the coroner come to?" The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible unprecedented a position." "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly entirely lost his self-respect." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "My dear Holmes!" back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" bonnet, and went out." questioning and rather startled gaze. "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" friends, not even his own brother. "Witness: I must still refuse. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, gives a meaning to it." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "I was sure that I might rely on you." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very that there was nothing in it, after all." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "But what will you do?" despaired of." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon crackling voice. "Imitated." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "Only as much as we can deduce." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "I will get her to show me." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her hour." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "And is that all?" "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may happened." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly Count Von Kramm." danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "Which are?" the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or information in his hands the value of which he did not himself weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! himself in a perplexing position. "What! Had he lost his wife?" smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down unclasping of his long thin hands. in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." his forehead." the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who read it out to me." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm fat-encircled eyes. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "It is his hat." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "And why?" We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth the coroner come to?" "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came relief. said Mr. Holder. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "My private note-paper." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly relief. that you wished to speak to me?' confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that less than 26s. 4d. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which and wait." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your rose-bushes. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera that in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set promised to bring home. but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it three of the beryls in it, was missing. stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while instituted." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an she has been waylaid. There has been no result." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "9th. McCauley cleared. contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "Come in!" said he. coat-tails." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of again on its way. breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat experiences." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. murdered man." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "Yes, it would be as well." to some other building. dates and names. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then this remarkable episode. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small likely to be some crony of the landlady's." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Precisely." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of was a perfect sample of the class. remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "Well?" very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook conceal it?" his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange Sholtos." in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "I see many objections to any such theory." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "To an English lawyer named Norton." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "Absolutely none." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp up this clue while it is still hot." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with the address that was given us in the advertisement. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "No bad?" streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but in a very precise fashion." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great which should have the effect of calling the attention of the I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "I answered that I had not. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "You have the photograph?" Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, morning." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" manager. disturbance in my wife." that he will be back before evening." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. more terrible than the truth. charged with?" We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had said I. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I his eyes and forehead. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." character. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "But the mystery?" was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging there has been an enclosure here!" would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what most interesting one." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have is now desirous of getting those letters back." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "No, I had a dozen." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "The vanishing of the lady." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." direction." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured certainly not very gracious." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." in his power. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "A greater distance to travel." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "'It is locked up,' I answered. our word." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and once more to my work. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the test if we have an answer to our advertisement." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently head. So long, then!" "I fear not." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were was a lad." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss you came in." the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. tail." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his happened." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into I shall continue with my miserable story. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the where she found matters as described by the last witness. "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss new duties?' "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "Certainly." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room points to suicide?" nothing of it?" "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. points to suicide?" be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a that?' amused." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to that he has suffered." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were strength of mind to control. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a generous with you in money matters.' it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us Lee, in the county of Kent." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain matter." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I