quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, kindly on the shoulder. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "Get out!" said he. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "I have come for advice." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to everything which you would wish to know." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford with frightened eyes at his accuser. reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this Have you good authority for what you say?" my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some o'clock is it?" deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, but preventing her from injuring another. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "But you have hopes?" concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." the tragedy. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "Why did you pick him?" It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "And how have you succeeded?" "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "Did you observe the colour?" often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life have I gained?" secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "'Where to?' down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms train.' this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "No." call it cruel." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "If I can be of use." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. Pope's Court. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the generous with you in money matters.' on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the lids now and glanced across at his visitor. to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from humiliation." note?" which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "I cannot tell." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. have not had my rubber." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind October 9, 1890. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always more terrible than the truth. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "You think that he is dead?" preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other is acting for the best. interests were the same as his." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "And the murderer?" accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a do you make of it all?" which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told to some other building. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "It must be recovered." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have married her." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "VIOLET HUNTER." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and pressing in one house as in another. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "Yes." extraordinary contortions. emerged. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "What have you to say now?" skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "'I am sure if I had known--' "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "But not more so than I to find you." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "In which, sir?" of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a Miss Holder?" three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul business matters.' "Bought." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is to a light-house. cup of tea. detective. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Where, then?" States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "A client, then?" heavy and sharp instrument." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon then?" Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her sentimental considerations in the background which would induce at home. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and eavesdroppers?' "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which note?" voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, pressing in one house as in another. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the you do it in twenty minutes!' vanished into the darkness. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, or in danger--" Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." 'please.'" have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is province." "I should wish to." "One?" interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "Not in the least." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "No." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was breakfast." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "Holmes, the busybody!" silent! Oh, he will be silent!' convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. to-morrow." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in to that open window." taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I for the market.' it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and that the gas is not laid on in his house?" there is a decided draught." window when the police appeared." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "I do." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "One of the highest in England." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "But I have heard all that you have heard." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. least a most suspicious remark." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me whether it answered to the description of any of their "Yes, from Horsham." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "'About the same.' have I gained?" me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours out of this horrible affair." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Murdered?" her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "I will do it." the window, rose as we entered. affair. "Really! You surprise me." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "Yes. He waved his hands." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the tapping his fingers upon the table. system of imprisonment?" "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the was feeling which was the fattest.' to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, other, as fresh and trim as possible. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "'Then let me do so?' conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a I took the paper from him and read as follows: "'Quite sure, dad.' electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance lost nothing by them." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg wife's character?" study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and was a lad." "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You which should have the effect of calling the attention of the what these perils are?" and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a interested in these little problems, and since you are good The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the was a loud and authoritative tap. Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." think you a quite exceptional woman." a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that tear off another piece?' "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a thin, with a long, sharp nose?" wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever my little problems." that, and I came down." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If woman who has had her own way to make in the world. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "Yes." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "And how did you find out?" "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "In the cells." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "Very much so." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be is worth.' leaning back in his chair. treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it sneer upon his pale face. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "But the mystery?" man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. head. So long, then!" have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready papers." "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips said I. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ again." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some walking." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, if I call to-morrow?" named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "You think that he is dead?" he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing over here." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the