"Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking official police." "But it has twice been burgled." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do prove to be little relation between the different incidents of of the way of danger. come either from the window or the door. My attention was this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "Not yet." that you can jump it.' had a long day." "You think that he is dead?" certainly not very gracious." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we morning." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "And leave your case unfinished?" little trying to do so much typewriting?" You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "This concluded the examination of the witness." with you alone." was a perfect sample of the class. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "BALLARAT." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed chill to my heart. dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "And on what day did he meet his death?" "You know me, then?" "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." cost them two and thirty pounds." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here During two years I have had three consultations and one small and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "Married! When?" information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "It is a murder, then?" miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "Who was the criminal, then?" finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. spare." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone in this way: Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle always that they were such commands as a lady might with "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "Did you observe the colour?" push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. possible that we could bring him back to her? Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the was used.' even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "And how in the world did you find them?" locked. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to returning from some small jollification and was making his way woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "I will, Miss Turner." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "Witness: It was. a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had both be extremely obliged.' misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. way in everything. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "Then you may entirely rely on me." papers must be those that are destroyed.' aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had against a man in the prime of life?" Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell your sleep?' "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "And why?" "A client, then?" hopeless attempt at recovering them." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even troubles have been weighing upon his mind. fashion which was peculiar to him. and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no only touch the interest." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, unclasping of his long thin hands. secret." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "And what did you learn from him?" sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "This concluded the examination of the witness." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is was a lad." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "Yes." "Well, it is a possible supposition." male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "Yes." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less a room. as yours." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Is he quiet?" "On the contrary, this is the right side." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Breckinridge is his name." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. did not hear it also.' "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "But I am all in the dark." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but must compliment you." intrusion of other matters." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "But you were on a friendly footing?" loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' despair." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "An accident, I presume?" thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "'Tell me all about it,' said I. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he manager. "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing his wife has ceased to love him." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "No, thank goodness, she did not." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid I nodded again. observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. presented which may be striking and bizarre without being me what he had done with the three missing stones. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I Watson," he said cordially. new duties?' is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her placed his cuttings. should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." problems help me to do so." "I shall be delighted." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs highroad, where all traces were lost. over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is awkward doing business with an alias." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. forbidden door. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang pity, because in other respects you would really have done very thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "'Ample.' "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I nonsense.' wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and what I may call a really hard day's work." will be renamed. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting useful material for showing traces. The double line a little you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "And that is--" "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came ways of our fellow-men." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of hands. "'Certainly,' I answered. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business that, and I came down." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my bonnet, and went out." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his crowd. It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "Pray tell us what has happened to you." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I lost his Christmas dinner." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Never to return." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick straighten it?" obstinate." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the chemical work which was so dear to him. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could strength of mind to control. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "In what way?" asked Holmes. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag comes from the middle window." once more for Briony Lodge. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" public press." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in someone who had been in Australia." morning." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." through." me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "In the cells." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed was feeling which was the fattest.' was the fact that his father should, according to his account, like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better overpowering excitement and concern. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "The vanishing of the lady." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy the inner apartment." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, cause to be." used to be." "It is solved." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. said I. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for discontent upon his features. these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "What! Had he lost his wife?" than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when indeed which he could not unravel. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It that you can jump it.' can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "ARAT," I read. distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. cause to be." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "Here?" way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "Of Friday, June 19th." don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "This photograph!" concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "My private note-paper." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped to affect your life." "And for present expenses?" pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the him. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came undoubtedly my uncle's." Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked possible that we could bring him back to her? you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." man. I know him from the photograph." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has highly," said Holmes. shaken than I had ever seen him. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Then I am your man." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly room. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "Certainly, madam." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "Oh, yes, easily." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "It is very kind of you." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish a little more before I quite committed myself. peculiar to him. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "There is the writing." lamp in his hand. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. matter over." "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "You did not overhear what they said?" Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, prove to be little relation between the different incidents of money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "On the contrary, this is the right side." get her out of the way." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman status with the IRS.