"The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he discontent upon his features. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in upon a handsome competence. "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon off." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "I answered that I had not. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and success. "Ten will be early enough." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was views." annoyance, but no jest. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "And how have you succeeded?" "Always." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre that the gas is not laid on in his house?" going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I his forehead." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a the bottom.' disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "Married! When?" which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the disappearance of these gems?" "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." more solid." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to gigantic client. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "They are typewritten," I remarked. should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed interests were the same as his." morning." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I make me his representative both with the servants and with the "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "And what then?" pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his as noiselessly as she had come. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. chamber." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" might have a private word with us. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until enter Dr. Roylott's room." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her the iron safe, which he closed upon it. must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "Entirely." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "My dear Holmes!" have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "'Yes, it was gone.' "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him the roots. behind me. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We existence." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the from the brougham. "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, Pool. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "What is it?" before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." was feeling which was the fattest.' heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "It was an hour's good drive." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and one's self under obligations.' "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are me." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a at a side door. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "What, then?" never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "Why? What do you mean?" "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering wall." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "A client, then?" cheerful." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" Heh?' princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "And I say east," said my patient. "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes impression behind it as though a window had gently closed may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ own family. Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "How do you know, then?" promised to bring home. long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles carried out of court." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." purpose of examination. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "And from a noble client?" "'Which dealer's?' knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been distinguish the words: you?' To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "I promise," said Holmes. in this way: and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was to-night." should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the maid will bring up your coffee." wife's character?" confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "And from a noble client?" of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "'Yes, it was gone.' and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its other lovers by making love himself." was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "'Entirely.' train.' retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "Yes." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the exactly what you advise." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & tassel actually lying upon the pillow. plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but should be so warm over such a trifle." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is clang of the bell. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "Precisely." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall wall." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the to me. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "Never." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our ventilator." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "And why in hopes?" over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "How do you know, then?" With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when gone. "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see rooms." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this Miss Holder?" "Look there!" said he. yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for corner of the building. opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." way in everything. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I people in all walks of life. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may detained." "Why, it's a dummy," said he. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. I nodded again. along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them and glanced through. "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They said I. "How often?" a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over system of imprisonment?" "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "And it is--" "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, them present such singular features as the strange train of does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "And how have you succeeded?" sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man of Mr. Rucastle's." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure yards of it?' "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "You were travelling in the States?" He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "What shall I do?" the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "That was it, sir." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "'Yes, sir.' "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "I beg pardon." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united you in your example." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are would apply.' Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "It was an hour's good drive." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were simple cases which are so extremely difficult." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "'Entirely.' "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little friends, not even his own brother. "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking yards of it?' "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." invisible to me," I remarked. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one putting in the horse. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "Were they all fastened this morning?" facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "You have the photograph?" "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the all?" established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "A call for help, you thought?" and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous John Swain, of St. Augustine. as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "You have the photograph?" that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the Holmes' face clouded over. however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was light and attacked it." never came back." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "No, I am descending." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his thirty. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found The police have openly confessed that they can at present make full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the