"'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their room. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's round and wave him away like that.' away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "Thank you. Pray proceed." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "Frequently." tension within him. garden below. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally at once, for I have only half an hour." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital country, and eventually married, without anyone having a casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," impression behind it as though a window had gently closed obstinate." "That is not always so easy." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address the little opening for the ventilator is." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, them?" acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the all that?" night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the go--none." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate you came in." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "I cannot imagine." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some I shall continue with my miserable story. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "But how?" "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "Then he might have called to you?" "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather charged with?" enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your there was no need for father to know." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have most important business. It is probable that he will be away all submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two nothing of it?" say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "And is that all?" problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I 'please.'" paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, you." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out orange pips. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "Witness: It was. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the to-night's adventure." "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "What can it mean?" I gasped. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, of the way of danger. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. and the colonel ushered me in. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to mystery!" remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "But she could not love him." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, written. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to what do you think they found in the pockets?" "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door south, for the country is more deserted there." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a suggested at once that there must be a communication between the and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "Breckinridge is his name." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, noting anything else of interest. explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our that you wished to speak to me?' following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "Quite so. She has her freedom." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from intimate personal affairs in this public manner." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very passage and a tap at the door. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" infinite languor in his face. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was power." My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a behind me. soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of you." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, miles off. Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End cheerful." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "Who was the criminal, then?" who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against which should have the effect of calling the attention of the after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "Certainly." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I him to go away.' "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "'What are you doing there?' he asked. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have hand, madam?" There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the memory. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of business came to an end." number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. your troubles." "Whose house is it?" "Always." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in walking." "Where, then, is my wife?" once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "I would pay ten." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "So I heard. You have him here?" which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler happened." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security fled together." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his recover the gem." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "I shall be delighted." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the imbecility!" he cried. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre the side-table." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. this man was intellectual?" case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the and looked back. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "And who is her maid?" "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an Clair, of Lee." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. said he. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "Your French gold?" my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "Then what has happened to him?" neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "'As governess?' the night.' "Then he might have called to you?" police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. hand, madam?" world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "No more words. Get out!" ventilator." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still prepare for the new role I have to play." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were to some other building. "Holmes, the busybody!" Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "'No, I know no one in these parts.' his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece putting in the horse. the very morning of the wedding." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of reach." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent over part of the map. "What do you read?" Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I that?' Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, the salesman. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. important." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "ARAT," I read. should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I so far?" rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "I would give my fortune to have them back." frequently gained my first real insight into the character of I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "He said that you could solve anything." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "It must be recovered." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar mysterious business." has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "And on what day did he meet his death?" housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "Where to?" for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, His smile broadened. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "Who by?" This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "How did you deduce the select?" her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was I am not easy in my mind about them." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE back to my heart. "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was even so self-evident a thing as that." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "'And what salary do you ask?' serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "It must be recovered." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been sparkled upon his finger. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened at my own good fortune. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "But how?" "My dear Holmes!" lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "The knees of his trousers." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the to-morrow." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "Why serious?" "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem be. "Why did you pick him?" When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end intrusion of other matters." envelope. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler once more to my work. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim roused himself from his reverie. disappearance of the bride.'" Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Precisely so. But how--" article?" are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, troubles have been weighing upon his mind. occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "Who was the criminal, then?" months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, ill-usage at the hands of fortune. it." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "'Quite sure, dad.' "No, finished." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We said Mr. Holder. we went to search for him, face downward in a little "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "Well, some hundreds of times." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "What will you do, then?" should you rather that I sent James off to bed?"