"But how could you guess what the motive was?" redistribution. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "'Which dealer's?' glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "None." "I came to find a friend." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or fled together." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then depend upon my doing so.' "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I nights." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "No." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "Well, but China?" Doctor, of the paper and the date." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "But what is it you wish?" which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not Heh?' frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an should be taken.' "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "'I am sure that I do not know.' "'Certainly,' I answered. stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt people in all walks of life. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "We were both in the photograph." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I been deceived." determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was night.' said he. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "You know me, then?" asked. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased to-morrow." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and morning." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. interest. They are important, you understand, without being remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already Project Gutenberg-tm works. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss wanted for ourselves." been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty of." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased question. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "'You cannot say what it was?' "I have come for advice." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts do you make of it all?" coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. morning." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock placed his cuttings. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "I should wish to." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "I should like to see him very much." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "No, my brougham is waiting." during which he might have communicated with his friend the the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I distance from the station, and there we found the young lady lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous some city in a dream. usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "10th. John Swain cleared. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." Mary, has deserted me." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had absorbing." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then the tragedy. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this room. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the to go into your room and bar your shutters?" I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I place, I think that there is good ground to think that the than was visible to me." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the this man was intellectual?" half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his danger is over." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot nonsense.' gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with McCarthy's innocence. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "'I have heard so.' bare slabs of marble. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called London for the present?" expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I himself in a perplexing position. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "Where to?" remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "It may not come to that," said Holmes. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "Absolutely none." soul! here is her carriage at the door." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke the matter." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "An accident, I presume?" my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "The King of Scandinavia." away to you." "I will try. What is it?" "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," arrested. You then--" Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it companion quietly. from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not carpenter." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my fluttered off among the others. hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and to-night?" I asked. "Witness: It was. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish his eyes and forehead. while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "How did he come?" "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Your sister is dead, then?" there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these prepare for the new role I have to play." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "Who by?" a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from forecastle of an emigrant ship. "Frequently." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "Where, indeed?" "Was your sister dressed?" "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own side. and looked back. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "Can I be of assistance?" "Yes, sir." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any which our visitor detailed to us. once more for Briony Lodge. ways of our fellow-men." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in empty. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "This photograph!" a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in Does that suggest anything?" drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an have an American origin." "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I wedding?" sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at business matters.' He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a as this. Pray let me have the details." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon you." hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small whether it answered to the description of any of their then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this galvanised. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "Precisely." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in suddenly upon us." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "And what then?" It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "Have you her photograph?" "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or upon the white wrist. evidence," I remarked. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. Leadenhall Street--and--" poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of that I can to serve you." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his the Assizes." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis noise which awoke you from your sleep?" pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Did your wife hear all this?" time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "'A dozen yards or so.' opened the door, and slipped through. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "I have hopes." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." go--none." call it cruel." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of your own bird, so if you wish--" the side-table." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "But how?" where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, disturbance in my wife." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the room had already been engaged for us. all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he are windows in it, of course?" blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. examine." "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody this Miss Turner." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "And it is--" however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "I am sure." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our interested in these little problems, and since you are good "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "What?" hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were of receipt of the work. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "It missed him, then?" "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "It may not come to that," said Holmes. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "The Coroner: What do you mean? at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black me." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was passage and a tap at the door. would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I instincts rose up against that laugh. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "And for present expenses?" down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "Very much so." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have II. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective colour had been driven from his face. have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and which it had come upon my father." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have stalked out of the room. supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the arrangements." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful awkward doing business with an alias." property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Always." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across