pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "None." there is a decided draught." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch the Friday. Was it to be in church?" Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' cost them two and thirty pounds." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it generous with you in money matters.' "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "Then I shall certainly come." permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in village inn over there?" the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or became a certainty. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no begin with, and I had not got mine yet." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the cigars in the box." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "What can it mean?" I gasped. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is of the way of danger. "Yes." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew little trying to do so much typewriting?" very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the plantation.' receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done go back?" them, and came down just as you departed. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of redistribution. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, not fit the lock." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "Were they all fastened this morning?" I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the call you and give you the chance." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "Oh, yes, easily." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the and all of them with the keenest interest. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your said he. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of remarked. existence." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and furiously. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he corner of the building. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently her also." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, again." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely burst out into a roar of laughter. "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put felt the room to be a little close.' occurred." produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is Edgeware Road. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "Very murderous indeed." any little problem which you may submit to me." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the thin legs towards the fire. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "A confidential servant?" once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "But of what society?" along the entire front of the house, with three long windows that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel train from Paddington which would bring you there at about and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "'Where to?' stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post breakfast and whispered something to her husband. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous go from here to the Strand." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "This photograph!" "Yes." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "Where to?" little trying to do so much typewriting?" address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have Where does the thing come from?' "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "No. His orders were to stay in the house." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I look dissatisfied." instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to cup of tea. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "What can you not understand?" "One of the highest in England." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a roused himself from his reverie. opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little down from London to inquire more deeply into it." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "But you have hopes?" name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which words came to my lips. roused himself from his reverie. "None. Neville wrote those words." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing into her hand at the door and which lured her within their glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a I have it here in my museum." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no a monotonous occupation." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges It may be so in this case, also." to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as been able to understand it, in a very few words. case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "How about poison?" returned to France?" morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a the child." "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have clang of the bell. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, side. product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "How many? I don't know." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "Not social, then?" "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I means taking possession of that which another person has a prior thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "It missed him, then?" stood on the top of it. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "Who by?" in the port of London." no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a you, my dear young lady?' nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "'You cannot say what it was?' despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black behind me. and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "In answer to an advertisement." could gather together that I was able to avert another public cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "'Quite sure, dad.' "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. I shall communicate with you." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more had picked up in the wood. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we I nodded to show that I had heard. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "She will not sell." geese which you supplied to the Alpha." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should out of this horrible affair." "I came to find a friend." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face the bottom.' therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "Not I." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "But it has twice been burgled." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "Where, then?" absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was see a sister of mine apply for." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the cigars in the box." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the papers on the sundial.'" already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to 1.E.9. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and hurried away. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "We have tried and failed." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. highroad, where all traces were lost. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "It was an hour's good drive." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "'Certainly not.' pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she noise which awoke you from your sleep?" and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient future lives." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "My dear Holmes!" the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "Certainly, madam." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a be best to do. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, there were one or two details which were new to me. But the greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "So I heard. You have him here?" along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "'About the same.' have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "And why?" more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey From what you have told me I think that it is possible that floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. the ceiling. "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change written. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our these bleak autumnal evenings." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and James Windibank. Voilà tout!" adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, status with the IRS. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were light and attacked it." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a his wife has ceased to love him." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of back into the street. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid think, you have already met." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler long narrative. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "Entirely." these bleak autumnal evenings." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "I am in hopes that she does." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "Certainly." "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell and effective." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then I approached. journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not in one or two places in England?' you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "In what way?" asked Holmes. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "The King of Scandinavia." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! for securing the situation." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "It goes to the housekeeper's room." tail." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from there were so many in the whole country as were brought together I. be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say quickly through a disagreeable task. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong