gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "Nothing?" rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor me where it went to?" my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' despaired of." "I would give my fortune to have them back." joking. during which he might have communicated with his friend the these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "It is solved." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he habit of advancing money.' and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "Murdered?" Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "Certainly." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; not use it unless it is absolutely needed." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with which I could not give. He asked for Alice. their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third habit of advancing money.' which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of views." directors, with the result that you have seen." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE orange pips. own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and what is your own theory as to what took place?" which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "But how?" I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "But how?" thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself friend's singular character. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "Not social, then?" overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four there." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into British peeress.'" "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." never came back." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest likely to be some crony of the landlady's." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "It came here." young Openshaw's." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We information in his hands the value of which he did not himself Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "Ample." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two answered with a sidelong glance. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his to some other building. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "That is it on the dressing-table." down in his armchair and closing his eyes. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared gigantic client. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip you." "You did not overhear what they said?" the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "I know where it is." sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "What is it, then--a fire?" poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." is," said he presently: though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my friend's singular character. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this dear old homesteads?" time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be placed his cuttings. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more him to be an active member of the medical profession." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we against a man in the prime of life?" old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "And who is her maid?" good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "The best possible." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very miles off. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We outbreak?" was a loud and authoritative tap. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely one or two very singular points about this room. For example, and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my details should find their way into the papers. Inspector reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might Holmes' room. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "But we can't all be." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "'You cannot say what it was?' It may be so in this case, also." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic you in your example." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a have been better. It is all right." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little humiliation." "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "Yes, it was twisted." bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of have not had my rubber." eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side meanly of me." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no Mary, has deserted me." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and laugh and put his lips to my ear. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "I was sure that I might rely on you." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Will you bet, then?" that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a fat-encircled eyes. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged walking." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying vault. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in criminal. We have already had experience of such." of your young ladies.' "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." weary and pale-looking. building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "Certainly." of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "Thank you. And your address?" his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker the bed, and you in that chair." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you there is a decided draught." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You everything which you would wish to know." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before your own bird, so if you wish--" the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "The knees of his trousers." how narrow had been my escape. intrusion of other matters." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: read over the extraordinary announcement. my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an outbreak?" that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe better grown goose." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we of receipt of the work. c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the approach us with offers to donate. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my drove away. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian of the way of danger. "Quite so." see a sister of mine apply for." shoulder. matters immensely." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in shag which I had seen upon the previous night. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and miles off. lumber-room." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's washing it down with a long draught of water. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At ago." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried nonsense.' from the brougham. "Yes." off." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been tension within him. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be child?' is," said he presently: inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "Come in!" said he. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting conclusions. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "It looks newer than the other things?" as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope Eyford." the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to been lifted and conveyed somewhere." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "This concluded the examination of the witness." "You are hungry," I remarked. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned question. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You to where he stood hid behind the curtain. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off best detective that ever lived. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential death." lectures into a series of tales." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "'What then?' I asked. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. him and tried to hold him back. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and Countess of Morcar's?" suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may but preventing her from injuring another. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss subject to the trademark license, especially commercial which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "No." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his outside." PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the outside." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "'Certainly not.' like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible back into the street. "10th. John Swain cleared. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very business matters.' passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round imbecility!" he cried. company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who opportunities to fix the problem. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine III. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at affair. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "'Is purely nominal.' "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which voice, changing her seat as requested. nights." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman or in danger--" "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined it." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is his cane at the bell-pull. shadow pass over his face as I spoke. for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of round with crates and massive boxes. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so again." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness tied." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a woven round him. "Here?" "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "I was afraid that you were engaged." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Indeed! Whose, then?" "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no