abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "And why?" equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His our word." before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." time." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "When did it break out?" to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it fear." the so-precious time, but come!' generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is place no limit on the sum I may draw." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an we went to search for him, face downward in a little daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "But the mystery?" "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "Stoke Moran?" said he. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "In what way?" asked Holmes. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to highly," said Holmes. "No bad?" upon the shelf for the interim." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the retorted upon me, and I on you." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat me have 200 pounds?' the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "I will not look." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to carriage. It was a chestnut." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, obstinate." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "Where did you address your letters, then?" which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally she to prove their authenticity?" "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and horse could go." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "How did he come?" "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "No sign of it?" "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. you, my dear young lady?' granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her that you wished to speak to me?' observed. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect chance." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "Will you bet, then?" details should find their way into the papers. Inspector you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in other means.' Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "And leave your case unfinished?" out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little second window is the one that I jumped from." presented more singular features than that which was associated their singular warning or token before them when starting upon against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "Imitated." This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "And your father? Did you tell him?" be.' "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." see a sister of mine apply for." "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," the coronet in his hands?" a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential completely overtopped every other consideration that we both previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to such attractions and accomplishments?' I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "I have my revolver," said I. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad indeed which he could not unravel. nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and eavesdroppers?' the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in bell. Holmes whistled. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "9th. McCauley cleared. can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "That is unusual in a young girl." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "'Very good.' age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "One horse?" interjected Holmes. room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to unprecedented a position." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable see a sister of mine apply for." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "The King of Scandinavia." man. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. should be taken.' man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of very peculiar words of the dying woman?" mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their you?" society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the had died away into the silence from which it rose. called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But the coroner come to?" "No. His orders were to stay in the house." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, said Mr. Holder. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the client, rising. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' perplexity from it to my illustrious client. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "I am following you closely," I answered. "Yes, it was twisted." His smile broadened. over part of the map. "What do you read?" clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "You don't mind breaking the law?" an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "How on earth--" the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, o'clock is it?" the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." stammered. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other instincts rose up against that laugh. "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner Cross for the Continent." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "That is unusual in a young girl." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have I think that I could be of assistance to you." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB II. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from walking." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, learned something! Where are the gems?" nights." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled derbies." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong again before evening." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "I shall be delighted." "To the police?" card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "It is half-past ten now." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a during which he might have communicated with his friend the "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "How are you getting on?" "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, row." province." "You forget that I know nothing about it." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can again." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could three of the beryls in it, was missing. ago." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "Yes." appeal." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "Yes." "You are all wrong." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. trifles." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." correct than the official force." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon your troubles." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "What will you say?" THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and absolutely follow my advice in every respect." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, to me. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to British peeress.'" gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger and put his glass in his pocket. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "Nothing?" His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between bird I ate is country bred." with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," troubles have been weighing upon his mind. near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "My Mary? Impossible!" has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "I was afraid that you were engaged." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "When did she vanish, then?" one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "Then I can wait in the next room." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel his face which made him a very different person to the round, "In the cells." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began ways of our fellow-men." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed me where it went to?" pressing in one house as in another. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "Ten will be early enough." "BALLARAT." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from McCarthy's innocence. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her think, you have already met." "But she could not love him." "Yes, certainly." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. lumber-room." she to prove their authenticity?" "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. events than those which have happened in my own family." appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he man. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. hair?' I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "This photograph!" like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "But how?" "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian was already answered. "That's no good." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given what I may call a really hard day's work." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows friends, not even his own brother. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing question. son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. unkempt, staring out at me. roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "Ten will be early enough." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch and the colonel ushered me in. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he humiliation." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "'Certainly,' I answered. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "Yes, I have one waiting." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up started for the Temple to see my husband.