I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles a room. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." have had none more fantastic than this." "On the contrary, this is the right side." "Did you become engaged then?" Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same into the room. "No, thank goodness, she did not." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Certainly." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of showing my impatience. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There and your relations to her." must be when I saw the door open.' anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "Then I can wait in the next room." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at was a loud and authoritative tap. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "At the wedding breakfast." in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the late." answered with a sidelong glance. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the furiously. what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "From his hat?" body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "And who is her maid?" "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. better grown goose." interested in these little problems, and since you are good I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "'Oh, no.' quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried the so-precious time, but come!' yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are and that he would see to anything that turned up. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." away to you." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front later, upon the night of May 2nd." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as and prosperity to your house. Good-night." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "I know where it is." formed some opinion?" Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "'Never,' said I. paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it for and were ordered to this address. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until ill-usage at the hands of fortune. affair. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was his eyes and forehead. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and head. So long, then!" Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with noting anything else of interest. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate of the efforts of the United States government and of the better said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation putting in the horse. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn went to the Alpha were town bred." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong other lovers by making love himself." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "That also I could fathom." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "I will not look." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would advice." "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "Stoke Moran?" said he. "I will try. What is it?" "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "Imitated." business." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing not use it unless it is absolutely needed." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, to have been novel and of interest." "Very murderous indeed." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact crowd. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "The gentleman I describe." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the look dissatisfied." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. the coronet at all injured?" something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "What?" "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "And how have you succeeded?" not, dad?" she asked. "Certainly." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" outside. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might quick march!" the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a next day. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon your troubles." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her Does that suggest anything?" taking in every detail of the apartment. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "At the wedding breakfast." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or married her." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "You are hungry," I remarked. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "And what did you learn from him?" the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope up this clue while it is still hot." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire it." brain must have something in it." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some views." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after the Friday. Was it to be in church?" was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "I will get her to show me." and a shock of very red hair. "That was it, sir." end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." made his money." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would occupations.' value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the several quiet little villages up there." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "I shall be delighted." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "So it appears." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied served to weaken the effect. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper ready to-morrow?' had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "I cannot tell." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "Nothing." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying his eyes and forehead. without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear to that open window." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case six. Come in!" "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us opened the door, and slipped through. very morning of my second wedding." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "BALLARAT." eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all happened." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my if I call to-morrow?" "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" himself. told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done behind me. explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "I have hopes." think you a quite exceptional woman." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "I fear not." there." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to for the market.' "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she gigantic client. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. society." interest. They are important, you understand, without being "How long did she speak to this Alice?" a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the lamp. I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. had a long day." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' guilty one." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which of them has the shutters up.' "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a been anything against him. He had for years been known as a success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, outside." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "Come in!" said he. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. of the way of danger. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "Who by?" "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the client, rising. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "It is very clear." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "And the cigar-holder?" error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "None." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is one of the states of the Union." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would to surprise her." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If open." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows not as remarkable as your advertisement." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every correct than the official force." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the an introduction to him?" Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a bore every mark of being an average commonplace British the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was always that they were such commands as a lady might with joking. "I think that I had better go, Holmes." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible morning." which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's case-book, which he consulted. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune whereabouts. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "You have carte blanche." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "What I expected to see." the one as in the other." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon she used." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" in one or two places in England?' "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "I cannot tell." deduce something from that?" word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "And how?" "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly go back?" Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with closing the door. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' ordinary clothes on?" to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great perplexity from it to my illustrious client. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the interest. They are important, you understand, without being "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "'It is locked up,' I answered. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had closely." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of I leave." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily cup of tea. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "How long did she speak to this Alice?" say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?"