be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "Was there a secret marriage?" to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and spark where all is dark to me." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "It is possible." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "Deserted you?" strode off upon his way. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. chamber." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "An enemy?" absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "Oh, fresh and glossy." II. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "Thank you. And your address?" 'please.'" I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." lips." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." manager. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. him and tried to hold him back. "Yes, at the mines." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "But how did you gain them?" the stable lane now." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "'How far from the body?' daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Can I be of assistance?" "And now?" I asked. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning copied or distributed: highroad, where all traces were lost. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated front of me. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the gigantic client. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting memory. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building hair?' strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "Never." cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done thin legs towards the fire. She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the carpenter." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." my friend's incisive reasoning. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous not personally threatened." "'Yes, I promise.' instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "The decline of his fortunes, then?" Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all both be extremely obliged.' caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the lamp. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "Murdered?" society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though she has been waylaid. There has been no result." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. had this final quarrel? stammered. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole evidence," I remarked. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as towards the blaze. in this note: "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and is worth.' hard-headed British jury." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must success. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "10th. John Swain cleared. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the several quiet little villages up there." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a with you alone." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "10th. John Swain cleared. "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be to that open window." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as generous with you in money matters.' Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of are windows in it, of course?" should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for breakfast." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "A confidential servant?" the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has forbidden door. crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "And help." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to as this. Pray let me have the details." should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Very truly yours, "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from overpowering excitement and concern. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new forecastle of an emigrant ship. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your meanly of me." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his in his power. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving have an American origin." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it house for five minutes.' "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "Has he come with you to-night?" "It is his hat." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "No, thank goodness, she did not." morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that 'please.'" fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy visitors." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "Yes, all." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "Was he the only applicant?" feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "Not in the least." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were learned something! Where are the gems?" name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of both be extremely obliged.' "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "What can you not understand?" opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing During two years I have had three consultations and one small misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "But how could you guess what the motive was?" showing my impatience. saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his without a word or a look. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "The King of Scandinavia." France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "Stolen." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The that he has suffered." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of a room. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated ill-usage at the hands of fortune. society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary definite end. he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found a very grave face. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll means taking possession of that which another person has a prior like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the away into the river." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told writers could invent nothing more crude." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out salesman. at a side door. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work one else, I think." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and means taking possession of that which another person has a prior what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the companion imperturbably. unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the at a side door. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that question you as to those details which seem to me to be most was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "No. What a strange idea!" "Nothing." his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" Holmes." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "Very murderous indeed." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if not within a twentieth part of the market price." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had McCarthy." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it six. Come in!" Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous License. You must require such a user to return or John Swain, of St. Augustine. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "When did she vanish, then?" most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "My stepfather's business papers." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw and a shock of very red hair. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot ordinary clothes on?" shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "Not in the least." bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" fear." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Entirely." examine." case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included she slowly sank and died without having recovered her some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. and have this put in the evening papers." ago." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in just called myself is not exactly my own." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand a good hundred miles off by now." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door the driver. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we despair." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down morning." depend upon my doing so.' going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose the night.' abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged infinite languor in his face. that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident roused himself from his reverie. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his exactly what you advise." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much Holmes. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my together. the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the one else, I think." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "'In my own bureau.' that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have has little to do with my story." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, be.' question. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "Yes, at the mines." was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "Upon what point?" bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "Only as much as we can deduce." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and Street. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, train.' hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "And I." to tackle the facts." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "Yes, all." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "One of his hands." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular excitement. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with that you wished to speak to me?' excitement. "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first the inquest, and which are worth considering." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. suggested at once that there must be a communication between the dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As go from here to the Strand." Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the when your master had gone out." my room." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the IS "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to