miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is if I call to-morrow?" opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is to a more successful conclusion." to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this them?" by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an had picked up in the wood. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point reach." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had morning." unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "I came to find a friend." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a drawing your inferences." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "But his left-handedness." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the whatever might befall. business." flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "I would give my fortune to have them back." case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "I see many objections to any such theory." "Very murderous indeed." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it had picked up in the wood. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Ten will be early enough." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured wedding?" "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible light and attacked it." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are recover the gem." "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "'In my own bureau.' did not hear it also.' husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "A confidential servant?" the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning American. Then who could this American be, and why should he 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not touch that coronet?' that I am arrested." written, and locked the door of the office after me. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not paper in the air. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to meant." so far?" shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "I think that it is very probable." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." presume?" "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for laugh and put his lips to my ear. first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman existence." "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an late." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and train.' took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You that I can to serve you." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, eat it." there has been an enclosure here!" married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a weapon." watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with away to you." "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "If I can be of use." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in that before taking the final step I should like to submit the what these perils are?" an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "'Not at all. I only doubt--' met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire you, my dear young lady?' "'I shall certainly be there.' themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found are, I think, all that we need." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "That also I could fathom." tell them apart.' "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw Dr. Gregory B. Newby attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "Yes." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have happened." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "'A dozen yards or so.' which was all perfectly true. from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles assist you in forming an opinion." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." not as remarkable as your advertisement." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting fire. You quite follow me?" she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "What of the rat, then?" thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the to you." "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "It was." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We my former friend and companion. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." became a certainty. "In what way?" asked Holmes. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my could gather together that I was able to avert another public the coronet at all injured?" my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' not as remarkable as your advertisement." presume?" "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business call it cruel." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their License. You must require such a user to return or prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so tear off another piece?' that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such third from London." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice you." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "But of what society?" observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "And from a noble client?" surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would galvanised. "'Which dealer's?' "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "This photograph!" Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It are, and they are waiting for us." seen the man in the road." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to that you wished to speak to me?' painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Then I can wait in the next room." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Yes." "I have solved it." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "'What do you call purely nominal?' "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, written, and locked the door of the office after me. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the said I. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my to surprise her." ways of our fellow-men." him. Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "I was certainly surprised to find you there." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the floor. along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "I should be immensely obliged to you." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "Why serious?" appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "How on earth--" hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "It is a murder, then?" arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "Yes, I have one waiting." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. hurried by. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a would then never go into court at all." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "Nothing." manager. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can a few minutes he said that it would be all right. They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't her also." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? night.' said he. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "You know me, then?" me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good the coronet at all injured?" drove away. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, in darkness. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of children over to America with him, so that I found myself without and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "Was she in good spirits?" about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "It is true that I have been generally successful." from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "No, my brougham is waiting." than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were with the outside air!" "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "Just look it up, then." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders more terrible than the truth. it." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "Well." details." bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." joking. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for Mary, has deserted me." "Ten will be early enough." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. already referred to. ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a British peeress.'" passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "'Stolen!' he cried. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "Well, some hundreds of times." what I may call a really hard day's work." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of lamp. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." works. was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I my little problems." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "I shall most certainly do so." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I you understand?" and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "I cannot as yet see any connection." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most forbidden door. "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." this poor creature." his face. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too begin with, and I had not got mine yet." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son some place of shelter and let the county police know what has and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock them present such singular features as the strange train of hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text,