shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "How are you getting on?" "Have you it here?" upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "Frequently." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet it. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland ourselves in the office." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "You don't mind breaking the law?" in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "But we can't all be." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "Frequently." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day look dissatisfied." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be hopeless attempt at recovering them." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "Never." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. Chief Executive and Director soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to the Red-headed League." I am not easy in my mind about them." affection." mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. one of them." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "About a month then." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the himself in a perplexing position. to tell." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had present." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able tear off another piece?' "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for ran thus: half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "In San Francisco, a year ago." note?" from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself within hail.' Cross for the Continent." "Well." "We have tried and failed." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have chance." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" been with you?" waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time conceal it?" "It surprised me." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for province." wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two unkempt, staring out at me. "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "Yes." the station." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "Your presence might be invaluable." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and tied." which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the there were one or two details which were new to me. But the extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "What office?" It may be so in this case, also." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no never to learn it at all." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "Breckinridge is his name." existence." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in whatever might befall. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he outbreak?" he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very directors have had misgivings upon the subject." at home. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into chance." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of cost them two and thirty pounds." seem to you to be relevant or not." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "And Miss Sutherland?" The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "'Yes, sir.' London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "Whose house is it?" "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "But he might be a bachelor." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking of Mr. Rucastle's." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "She told me to ask you." house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was tail." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "And why in hopes?" "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "What?" "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, The summons was a brief and urgent one. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very noble correspondent could be. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "In heaven's name, what for?" "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "But what is it you wish?" bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "Stolen, then." against a man in the prime of life?" delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of most important business. It is probable that he will be away all drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "Yes, it would be as well." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "10th. John Swain cleared. lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question key turn in the lock." laugh and put his lips to my ear. even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of him and tried to hold him back. deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "I should wish to." however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are stammered. have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" been shamefully used." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he business." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. events, Mr. Windibank!" Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "Dark enough and sinister enough." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at and inquire as to the address." come either from the window or the door. My attention was the address that was given us in the advertisement. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "'Entirely.' beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the memory. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a go--none." Surrey." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "Nothing?" "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can at a side door. over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "No bad?" unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "Here?" "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in pound a week." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing dear old homesteads?" suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "'Yes, sir.' indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while Holmes. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "No." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "Indeed! Whose, then?" "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "You are certainly joking, Holmes." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, I think that I could be of assistance to you." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you things are very often connected not with the larger but with the shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove your billet.' in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "My dear Holmes!" benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, had this final quarrel? in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "He said that you could solve anything." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "He said that you could solve anything." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the John Swain, of St. Augustine. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never would apply.' problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right fact, we may call it conclusive." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" as he remarks, very much against the son." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish affair. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "We must sit without light. He would see it through the about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right the room while you explain this matter?" understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "You have the photograph?" The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the the coronet at all injured?" "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," not, dad?" she asked. access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me politicians who had been sent down from the North. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when the running down." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you and a shock of very red hair. - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in out." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I assist you in forming an opinion." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up him." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" said I. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has him and tried to hold him back. newspaper selections." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend with the outside air!" or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you the stones. Does that suggest anything?" occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "I am in hopes that she does." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the with some details as to your case." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who suspect him." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "My last client of the sort was a king." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last could go. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "I don't say that. Perhaps." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and