"Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I a very grave face. drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "'Ten to two.' little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand his huge brown hands. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to me. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "In heaven's name, what for?" What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was sufficient punishment." the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of dear old homesteads?" "But I have heard all that you have heard." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll about. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "And did you observe any change in her then?" Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "What do you make of that, Watson?" violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Not in a good cause." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." served to weaken the effect. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." business in the City. She little knew what. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no me, and I could not think that his explanation of the there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "It must be recovered." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "From his hat?" than to us. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the and effective." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "'Ample.' south, for the country is more deserted there." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the persecution?" myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled them, and came down just as you departed. "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "Well, it is a possible supposition." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "I have seen the police." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he province." "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "Very murderous indeed." have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past out of this horrible affair." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "Because he was handy and would come cheap." to tackle the facts." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at some terrible trap for her." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "'And what are they worth?' I asked. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most clang of the bell. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard there!' have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "My dear Holmes!" one's self under obligations.' "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my Surrey." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely newspaper selections." "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "Then, as to money?" Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. little trying to do so much typewriting?" details." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." that I am arrested." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a with you?" what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the weary and pale-looking. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from answered with a sidelong glance. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Game for a morning drive?" law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the passage and a tap at the door. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a The King stared at him in amazement. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "No, but the enclosure is." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, eat it." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid comes from the middle window." skylight. sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "Just look it up, then." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he will be renamed. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "And did you observe any change in her then?" "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same Street. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase new duties?' "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue lost his Christmas dinner." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat simple cases which are so extremely difficult." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the would apply.' "It was an hour's good drive." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "Were they all fastened this morning?" has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had the one as in the other." and it need not interfere very much with one's other "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, and the church but not where the lady lived." sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales gigantic client. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an burst out into a roar of laughter. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into feature." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, brain must have something in it." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never that the gas is not laid on in his house?" remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient passage and a tap at the door. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is in darkness. which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you fluttered off among the others. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, ashen face. "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "And now?" He raised his hand. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, coat-tails." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "Yes." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so returned to France?" and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet ourselves in the office." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed enter Dr. Roylott's room." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "That also I could fathom." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "So it appears." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we garden below. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "You have the photograph?" had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "Tired-looking or fresh?" Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "None. Neville wrote those words." passage and a tap at the door. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I standing smiling on the door-step. hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" wedding?" hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "And Irene Adler?" "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "That is also quite modern," said the lady. running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, will take you up to see the machine.' "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "I don't believe it." simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and to talk it over. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of and put his glass in his pocket. "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "Then I do not see the point." "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. I. before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of name is different." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't were wasted." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "'Ten to two.' head. So long, then!" and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." it." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "It is very kind of you." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. for the market.' upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Yes." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "No, thank goodness, she did not." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said in a friendly supper." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." call you and give you the chance." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon depend upon your compliance." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the roused himself from his reverie. "'Yes, I promise.' deduce something from that?" most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "It was an hour's good drive." lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "But how?" observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "I came to find a friend." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the could not account in any way for the presence of the missing case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "None." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped has little to do with my story." about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever chill to my heart. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "'Then let me do so?' seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' narrative." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at father's young wife. "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun distinguish the words: impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "Do you receive much company?" he asked. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." were wasted." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 legal crime." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" not come at once?" what these perils are?" long narrative. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big pictures, libraries, or plate. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and showing my impatience. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "'A dozen yards or so.' be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other fuss that is made over them." "It is a murder, then?" hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have himself to hunt down. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship what do you think they found in the pockets?" them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and will not take me long to tell. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in