tied." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "And I to find an enemy." sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have never will be, entirely cleared up. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "And Irene Adler?" "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "I know where it is." "Nothing?" "You think so, too?" papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would prove to be little relation between the different incidents of however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. head. So long, then!" Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged the night.' "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all eat it." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "Never." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a gives a meaning to it." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage were wasted." notes," he said. introspective fashion. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "But what will you do?" "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I three of the beryls in it, was missing. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the delighted to hear it," he said. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly to affect your life." maid will bring up your coffee." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was quite distinctive." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to your room." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her was feeling which was the fattest.' analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "What office?" so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "Yes." village inn over there?" "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. least a most suspicious remark." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." at my remark. weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "I should like to see him very much." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love I nodded again. "What! a murderous attack?" Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long humiliation." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." with you alone." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case outbreak?" foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few open." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "No." that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for to-night?" I asked. I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as the morning and make my own way in the world.' has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "Never." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "And that is--" instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of should be so warm over such a trifle." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the that he will be back before evening." "Yes." him. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely your bag." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "It is to him that this trophy belongs." vanished into the darkness. very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got cigar and let me expound." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the tied." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with evidence," I remarked. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "'What do you call purely nominal?' find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "My dear Holmes!" The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope careless servant girl?" "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still works. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "No, I am descending." "What I expected to see." that I may have something better before very many minutes are wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. main points of my analysis." I nodded again. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having be there in time for your coming." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not the window, rose as we entered. Street. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "Eh? What was that?" "And how?" what is your own theory as to what took place?" "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "It goes to the housekeeper's room." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "Nothing." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its Pool. her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "An accident, I presume?" this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some politicians who had been sent down from the North. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that spare." Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the away in different directions, and I went off to make my own at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "'Which dealer's?' "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an other lovers by making love himself." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "Well, it is a possible supposition." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. light and attacked it." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "Who was the criminal, then?" wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." business." footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "I should wish to." absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of and it need not interfere very much with one's other and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an British peeress.'" jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "Yes." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible matter." to some other building. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. DISSOLVED. over with notes and figures. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and skylight. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and matter." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and crowd. made him keep the appointment." been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking envelope. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really Again Holmes raved in the air. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. have been better. It is all right." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a Count Von Kramm." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "No. His orders were to stay in the house." I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "It was an hour's good drive." think you a quite exceptional woman." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I there." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "I have a cab outside." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the His name is Francis Prosper." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where was a lad." would apply.' vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, mysterious business." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have electronic works idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the whatever might befall. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending character. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am where she found matters as described by the last witness. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I answer." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "But how?" the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "None." not personally threatened." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which always that they were such commands as a lady might with registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I the Red-headed League." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "Then what has happened to him?" dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round carried out of court." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "I say it is." "Ha! you find it so?" Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window she used." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" Edgeware Road. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left 1.F. the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "I don't say that. Perhaps." standing smiling on the door-step. question you as to those details which seem to me to be most would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Where, then?" "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave me have 200 pounds?' facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you of it with the greatest attention. His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up were new raised from a basin. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, What do you deduce from it?" providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no DAMAGE. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman must be when I saw the door open.' but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, annoyance, but no jest. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "But we can't all be." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "I think that it is very probable." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I the very morning of the wedding." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have cigar and let me expound." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "One horse?" interjected Holmes. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little not come at once?" "I should wish to." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my desk. "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his the roots. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "It is half-past ten now." not personally threatened." You want to know what became of those geese?" gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner was the fact that his father should, according to his account, the very morning of the wedding." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction you, my dear young lady?' was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would closing the door. bearing upon the case." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "But of what society?" "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet