and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "What! You do not mean bodies?" "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to giving me time to thank him. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about Clair, of Lee." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will ago." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "'I have heard so.' once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "And did you observe any change in her then?" John Swain, of St. Augustine. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "What, then?" nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "It is no ordinary one." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual stepfather?" interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so in one or two places in England?' have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." not as remarkable as your advertisement." strength in the others." http://www.gutenberg.net man. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "To the police?" The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend nonsense.' was a perfect sample of the class. the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up said he, "my real name is James Ryder." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "Seven!" I answered. weighed down with some great anxiety. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very me what he had done with the three missing stones. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this happened." will not take me long to tell. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp the devil!" his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached delighted to hear it," he said. "I say that I have solved it." Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my get her out of the way." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray your most interesting statement." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on which it had come upon my father." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and weary and pale-looking. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in late!' have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Did you observe the colour?" Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "You have carte blanche." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "To ruin me." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given four million human beings all jostling each other within the his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "That is unusual in a young girl." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "You have carte blanche." came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "'A dozen yards or so.' of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "Get out!" said he. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be quickly through a disagreeable task. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows held up the lantern and gazed about him. Holmes' thin, eager face. "An enemy?" "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will the little opening for the ventilator is." face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser fuss that is made over them." constraint." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as silent! Oh, he will be silent!' impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed persecution?" wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking heavily into it. quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." very old mansion. believe that I should never have any practice at all. "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a all-comprehensive glances. for the market.' "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately you do it in twenty minutes!' who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "Your presence might be invaluable." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "How can you tell that?" until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in your troubles." "Ten will be early enough." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "I would give my fortune to have them back." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the the house with me." unprofitable." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that affair. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are gone before you can get him to hospital." "The landlord of the Alpha." "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." salesman. "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called with the outside air!" It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." this as likely?" "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered the devil!" convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left national property. I was determined that the law should have its with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would assist you in forming an opinion." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea unprofitable." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements the loss of it. disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in other means.' 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words keep the flames under. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in might help us?" light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "Not social, then?" by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is gigantic client. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "The Coroner: What do you mean? place no limit on the sum I may draw." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "The Cedars?" "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. writers could invent nothing more crude." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before on re-entering her father's house?" I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "Yes." it." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "I see many objections to any such theory." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and reach." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted Holmes rather sternly. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "When did she vanish, then?" neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "Indeed! Whose, then?" certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so down from London to inquire more deeply into it." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "Why, what do you mean?" "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with morning." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of be. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small business." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He touch that coronet?' was used.' leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side this Miss Turner." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these you found me to-night--and running through the front room she you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "The best possible." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must results." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough client, rising. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Very truly yours, said I. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not before the coroner and the police-court." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do walking." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief introspective fashion. his huge brown hands. brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "I cannot imagine." sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all and effective." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Bought." met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. it means?" face and glided from the room. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "Whose house is it?" an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was his forehead." enter into my head. "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "Won't it ring?" footfalls from the street. for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. at my own good fortune. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few to some other building. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me orange pips. game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I read over the extraordinary announcement. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "No more words. Get out!" leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid drove away. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "Dark enough and sinister enough." is a common subject for conversation. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of heavily into it. already referred to. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "When did she vanish, then?" pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always