my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what lumber-room." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid results." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the breakfast?" glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "Certainly." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would problems help me to do so." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was the stones. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to with some details as to your case." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon mysterious business." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your thin legs towards the fire. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "And who is her maid?" "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project The King stared at him in amazement. "But his lameness?" "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "No sign of it?" on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague the coroner come to?" the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I is now desirous of getting those letters back." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: away into the river." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "It is possible." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "He said too much." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "She told me to ask you." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should his knees, staring into the fire. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The he died? showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. man. I know him from the photograph." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. when your master had gone out." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "What have you to say now?" built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "None. Neville wrote those words." to-morrow." impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "Do you go out much in society?" significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. spark where all is dark to me." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "Of Friday, June 19th." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall maid will bring up your coffee." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." here and I will read it to you: daring than any effort of the imagination." families. Now for the facts. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "By no means." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at ashen face. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his villagers almost as much as their master. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no presented more singular features than that which was associated which should have the effect of calling the attention of the glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, arrangements." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There hand, madam?" with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "You did not overhear what they said?" Count Von Kramm." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' carried out of court." weighed down with some great anxiety. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this gentleman's clothes. next day. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "By no means." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to said he. "'Where could I find him?' Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "They are typewritten," I remarked. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "No, finished." but preventing her from injuring another. "Why did you beat the pavement?" attention." Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "Yes, it would be as well." pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure manager. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and status with the IRS. populous neighbourhood." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge wife's character?" "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you detained." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "'What would be the hours?' I asked. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." green of the new foliage. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too corner of the building. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who golden eyeglasses. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "Witness: I must still refuse. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without lamp in his hand. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "To an English lawyer named Norton." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "Really! You surprise me." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker means taking possession of that which another person has a prior prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "No." I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "Certainly." grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "Bought." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called nonsense.' acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "'Entirely.' "No more words. Get out!" "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these other lovers by making love himself." the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, a few minutes he said that it would be all right. and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Then the page we have seen--" money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the allusion to a rat. to talk it over. "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the money should be paid at once.' about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your purpose equally well?" your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "He said too much." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice 'please.'" congratulate you again." villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up be sorry for having acted so harshly." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a American. Then who could this American be, and why should he a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "But I am all in the dark." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said overpowering excitement and concern. apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." fear." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little clanging. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet to have been novel and of interest." "So I heard. You have him here?" comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring the little opening for the ventilator is." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "My own seal." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not his fortune, and I went back to pa. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. empty. boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "And you can do nothing until then?" Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "Not in the least." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my him to be an active member of the medical profession." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "No good news?" explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "Now, then, what's the last entry?" whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot existence." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "I have hopes." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I Sholtos." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money him!" one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in bonnet, and went out." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "What then?" "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "Yes." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Not in a good cause." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six suddenly upon us." redistribution. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country point our research must commence, and we will begin it by of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special brain must have something in it." sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "If so, much may have happened between." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, II. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely the coroner come to?" passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the Cross for the Continent." excitement. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he when your master had gone out." body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "But his left-handedness." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him there." very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. absolutely follow my advice in every respect." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. call it cruel." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" knowledge of the world." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his the Assizes." "'In my own bureau.' "'Yes.' "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, closing the door. problems help me to do so." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than the loss of it. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have the coroner come to?" Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from written, and locked the door of the office after me. remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have may never be exposed to such a temptation." standing smiling on the door-step. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "BALLARAT." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united figure." infinite languor in his face. called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own your sleep?' to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." might help us?" pictures, libraries, or plate. "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the four million human beings all jostling each other within the you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice