not come at once?" attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. empty. "And that is--" many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "I am following you closely," I answered. at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to danger is over." been deceived." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for the dangers which encompass me." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "Nothing." never to learn it at all." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method less than 26s. 4d. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us to-night?' "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the Countess of Morcar's?" "No, finished." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Who by?" "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "But she could not love him." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the the very letters. But what is this written above them?' your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Then I am your man." "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary at home. which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He strong reason behind." and put his glass in his pocket. deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "How did that help you?" Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had maid will bring up your coffee." Edgeware Road. prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one was once confined in the cab my mission was practically agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "Proceed, then." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We one of the states of the Union." a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "Yes, certainly." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found anything to do with the matter?" frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked it were putty." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and lost nothing by them." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "How are you getting on?" away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "It was." other means.' turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found in his power. girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is way: It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of to miss it." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can crime. the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the during that time.' looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought lamp. "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads drawing your inferences." to a light-house. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, address. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That dates and names. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "No more words. Get out!" nonsense.' door?" which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and as noiselessly as she had come. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "You are all wrong." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in hand, madam?" gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I your co-operation." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the south, for the country is more deserted there." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "At half-wages, in fact." future lives." the stones. never to learn it at all." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" one else, I think." bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the once more to my work. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "The Cedars?" "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one bare slabs of marble. one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "Yes." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, footfalls from the street. beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her himself to tell his story. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the questionable one." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, your bag." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my something of him before." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes lost nothing by them." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the house for five minutes.' carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" business in the City. She little knew what. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The it." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "It is a murder, then?" "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "Yes, that is the Crown." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I stepfather?" a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "That is unusual in a young girl." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at standing smiling on the door-step. been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "No. What a strange idea!" As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "Oh, the cause is excellent!" could gather together that I was able to avert another public followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and until night should bring an explanation. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Were they all fastened this morning?" it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "Witness: Nothing definite. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "Here?" from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced upon the white wrist. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." me where it went to?" worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "By no means." "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "Yes, from Horsham." client, rising. bears upon the case?" a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with sparkled upon his finger. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "What are they?" "Really! You surprise me." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," disappearance of the bride.'" woven round him. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "And how did you verify them?" too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical formed some opinion?" base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive one's self under obligations.' off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "Where did he live, then?" manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "And why?" and inquire as to the address." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who in this way: For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want Mrs. Toller serenely. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 might help us?" "I think that I had better go, Holmes." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much security.' the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "The doctor?" can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a it? Did I buy the geese off you?" The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "Yes, certainly." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed one else, I think." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your in this note: and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll and prosperity to your house. Good-night." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part writer." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It his cane at the bell-pull. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Nothing?" and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my I shall continue with my miserable story. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps four million human beings all jostling each other within the The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "And how did he make his money?" guilty one." which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. yards of it?' "On the contrary, this is the right side." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their eavesdroppers?' fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William plantation.' Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "I have hopes." the one as in the other." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her something of him before." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told matter over." strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Yesterday." open." "'What, the red-headed man?' "'No, I know no one in these parts.' transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not guilty one." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of placed his cuttings. "Yes, it would be as well." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Yes, at the mines." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "It surprised me." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "At what time?" too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your go back?" to-night?' fatally injured? said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be colour had been driven from his face. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "'Never.' he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "Entirely." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "No." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "You think so, too?" Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his matters immensely." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to Arthur Conan Doyle a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "What is it, then--a fire?" his forehead." go back?" "So it appears." was keenly on my guard against him. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down