her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "Certainly." table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with the address that was given us in the advertisement. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A for its centre. a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. salesman. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when he died? Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' things are very often connected not with the larger but with the any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Well." next day. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few head. So long, then!" arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case my little problems." "Very truly yours, photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you giving me time to thank him. the Red-headed League." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' has little to do with my story." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. him. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank money should be paid at once.' He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with rose-bushes. putting in the horse. horse could go." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal disappearance of these gems?" "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the The summons was a brief and urgent one. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our said Mr. Holder. of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "Why? What do you mean?" back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say present." "What then?" "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my once more on the important position which you have been fortunate I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "I was certainly surprised to find you there." hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened awaited us upon the table. trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "To an English lawyer named Norton." it with his own hands." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of 'please.'" Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. there in twenty minutes." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as developed." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "A confidential servant?" donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were keep the flames under. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been bears upon the case?" For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your plantation.' has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. article?" recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." October 9, 1890. works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "I was certainly surprised to find you there." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "Do you know him?" He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "'Is 4 pounds a week.' the nursery. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we companion. occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "The landlord of the Alpha." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it Lestrade of Scotland Yard." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he laugh and put his lips to my ear. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH direction." "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "But your client--" "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by was a loud and authoritative tap. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Yes." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead the very morning of the wedding." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its the so-precious time, but come!' down in his armchair and closing his eyes. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he him to be an active member of the medical profession." "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have all-comprehensive glances. "VIOLET HUNTER." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he been anything against him. He had for years been known as a up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, started for the Temple to see my husband. client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "It is very clear." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Certainly." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward child?' you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in indiscretion." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, hour?' uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window come either from the window or the door. My attention was of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "But what is it you wish?" "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself arrangements." the address that was given us in the advertisement. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in shoulder; "he's all right." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "My dear Holmes!" creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment believe that I should never have any practice at all. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "What! a murderous attack?" entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the call you and give you the chance." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a waste of energy." boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and outbreak?" to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself said I. "But the mystery?" supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. door?" chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put whole matter to your consideration." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It thought that she would have been so carried away." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "'Certainly not.' here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you tell him that I know him to be innocent." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "He might." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager your billet.' against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the outsides of the windows. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a it. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "One horse?" interjected Holmes. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have troubles have been weighing upon his mind. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say said Mr. Holder. is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his then?" to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "9th. McCauley cleared. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to Watson," he said cordially. volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of gone. the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do Literary Archive Foundation heavily into it. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "The knees of his trousers." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Not in a good cause." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client 1.F. keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this like that before?" which we had just quitted. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, to where he stood hid behind the curtain. mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother fled together." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he returned to France?" sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with said he at last. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us towards the blaze. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes do." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "I think that I had better go, Holmes." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But carriage. It was a chestnut." Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "Will you bet, then?" "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." the side-table." fishes. impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be future lives." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there husband's writing, madam." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion that you saw all that I did." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "Not particularly." For additional contact information: He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I some water from a caraffe. words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy to talk it over. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. closing the door. "A greater distance to travel." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the crime." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but brought there to personate someone, and the real person is some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "How did that help you?" filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "Nothing." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "Now, then, what's the last entry?" waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me,