"If so, much may have happened between." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "'You cannot say what it was?' "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he open." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was together. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. hard-headed British jury." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "You think that he is dead?" copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his we went to search for him, face downward in a little down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom discontent upon his features. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it mysterious end." Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "If I can be of use." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "He said that you could solve anything." "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "I cannot tell." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always perplexity from it to my illustrious client. through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head hereditary King of Bohemia." "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were me upon any point which I do not make clear." "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered husband's writing, madam." "If so, much may have happened between." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do brought there to personate someone, and the real person is spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a sneer upon his pale face. "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "But how?" thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest all?" "The landlord of the Alpha." matter." "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "Where is it, then?" may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause upon a handsome competence. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. quickly through a disagreeable task. "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" be best to do. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "I cannot as yet see any connection." meant it for the best. "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, friend's singular character. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have have established a very serious case against the son of the once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the respectable self." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "That also I could fathom." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of people in all walks of life. began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say suspect him." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "Nor running a chance of arrest?" hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle other lovers by making love himself." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "No, finished." at home. "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "Oh, fresh and glossy." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "But how could you guess what the motive was?" down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the husband's writing, madam." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three breakfast?" The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations notes," he said. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the Farm upon the left." "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which few hundred pounds.' public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a the morning and make my own way in the world.' records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. correct than the official force." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were in him." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "I think that I had better go, Holmes." a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence maid will bring up your coffee." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "I cannot as yet see any connection." will not take me long to tell. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' asked with his eyes open. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of unkempt, staring out at me. there!' there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what depend upon my doing so.' and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: in a very precise fashion." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "Certainly." the window, rose as we entered. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to deduce something from that?" a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into Holmes' room. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of from the brougham. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working about here speaks of his kindness to him." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat drove away. "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional is a common subject for conversation. "You will not go there first?" more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" voice. present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered round with crates and massive boxes. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "You horrify me!" bed dies. Does not that strike you?" sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "I promise," said Holmes. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our whereabouts. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "Really! You surprise me." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, eat it." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said his face which made him a very different person to the round, "Yes, there are nearly always some there." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in and files of the old papers, following the future career of every he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading see a sister of mine apply for." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "The knees of his trousers." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "'Quite sure, dad.' minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have presented which may be striking and bizarre without being since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "Pray tell us what has happened to you." glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you light and attacked it." gone. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat used to be." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Of what day?" varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want front of the hall door has given its name to the place. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "And how did you verify them?" "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear salesman. he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure States. character. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my swore that no one else had been in the front room during the thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did through." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." were unconscious?" "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "'I have already given you my word.' Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of must compliment you." and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "What then?" the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third was a lad." it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "Which surely he restored to their owner?" matter." the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all paper in the air. other means.' Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found that you can jump it.' left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my in this note: "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "What do you mean?" dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "And your father? Did you tell him?" noise which awoke you from your sleep?" breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" crowd. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have interests were the same as his." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I bill, which interests me deeply." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe someone who had been in Australia." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to not as remarkable as your advertisement." not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "Pray tell us what has happened to you." cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, such attractions and accomplishments?' quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "And how did he make his money?" said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the my secret was safe in his possession. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "'Certainly not. But why?' sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and already referred to. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a disturbance in my wife." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action again." help us in this matter." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the individual and becomes the badge of a society." and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" that I can to serve you." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an 'please.'" rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind back to my heart. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "And Miss Sutherland?" breakfast." be sorry for having acted so harshly." particular state visit http://pglaf.org authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "And I to find an enemy." go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "'Yes, I promise.' insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "But I am all in the dark." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "But we can't all be." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by to tell." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless