note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "How are you getting on?" Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white This is what he says: "Well, but China?" "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a was it brought him the coronet? with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "Pray do so." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them hereditary King of Bohemia." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "But what will you do?" sufficient punishment." "And you can do nothing until then?" matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the secret." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was woven round him. rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, Eyford at 11:15.' trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "Where to?" and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "What I expected to see." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, at a side door. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in our word." flock.' "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. London for the present?" very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "Where did you address your letters, then?" to some other building. reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "Well, it is a possible supposition." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. occupations.' colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at at once, for I have only half an hour." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at or in danger--" very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "Breckinridge is his name." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in It was close upon four before the door opened, and a rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked and the colonel ushered me in. back alive. "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the Mrs. Toller serenely. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My disturbance in my wife." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. sound at heart." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced wall." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the to arrive at through this?" upon the white wrist. your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as the little opening for the ventilator is." business in the City. She little knew what. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only started for the Temple to see my husband. "How are you getting on?" word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I until night should bring an explanation. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a have I gained?" "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a fluttered off among the others. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting lectures into a series of tales." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "Never to return." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The strong and stiff." lectures into a series of tales." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "ARAT," I read. me have 200 pounds?' "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring companion imperturbably. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door which our visitor detailed to us. "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small your only hope of safety." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "And what then?" will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I Foundation "Nothing." doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his is acting for the best. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "Your presence might be invaluable." make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had arrangements." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of During two years I have had three consultations and one small "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "How did he come?" "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "Was the window open?" gigantic client. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say following enigmatical notices: "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover strode off upon his way. 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "I cannot say that I have." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "Where is it, then?" "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "And how did he make his money?" ways including including checks, online payments and credit card this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended persecution?" "Very truly yours, fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "'And what salary do you ask?' the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "But I am all in the dark." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate closely." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked dear old homesteads?" to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become you." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, which was all perfectly true. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain presented more singular features than that which was associated "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "You think that he is dead?" plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the know all about it," he snarled. but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of kind enough to tell me what I should do." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I hurried away. "In answer to an advertisement." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project recover the gem." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the in my life." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "Your presence might be invaluable." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" rose-bushes. cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to address. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. than was visible to me." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "A confidential servant?" completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "But how?" purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, for securing the situation." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "But what harm can there be in that?" inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "'I shall certainly be there.' and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of about. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the But Holmes shook his head gravely. There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands fluttered off among the others. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "Certainly." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what carriage. It was a chestnut." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one salesman. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that to talk it over. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "Get out!" said he. "On your arm?" He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my emerged. strong reason behind." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose nice household for a young lady." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow own family. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the Henry Baker is a member." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "Very well, sir. And this stone?" were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had you?" places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "What office?" Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the a room. test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so unclasping of his long thin hands. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact interest. They are important, you understand, without being "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his nice household for a young lady." stepfather?" roused himself from his reverie. "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two clanging. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of existence." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Your presence might be invaluable." present." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "It is very clear." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting that he will be back before evening." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. beg that you will break it off." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through new acquaintance to Baker Street. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "What shall I do?" this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "You have but to name it." Gutenberg-tm License. more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "'Never,' said I. vault. all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my suddenly upon us." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a then?" "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of chance." "I was mad--insane." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person retorted upon me, and I on you." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with been." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "You have compromised yourself seriously." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With that before taking the final step I should like to submit the see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to certainly not very gracious." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was returning from some small jollification and was making his way foresight and the moral retrogression?" Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too the bed, and you in that chair." woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout your only hope of safety." the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, way: "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my over part of the map. "What do you read?" "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "But it has twice been burgled." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of himself in a perplexing position. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "I would pay ten." The King stared at him in amazement. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "Nothing?" opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you,