"Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a least a most suspicious remark." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." what is your own theory as to what took place?" with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in that there was nothing in it, after all." skylight. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR electronic works key turn in the lock." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I upon a handsome competence. maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "Yes. He waved his hands." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer introspective fashion. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "What then?" Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to fish-monger and a tide-waiter." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "9th. McCauley cleared. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer forebodings. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round kind enough to tell me what I should do." "This concluded the examination of the witness." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It in this way: These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "I cannot as yet see any connection." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "By no means." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has You can understand that this register and diary may implicate among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover you." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." pressing in one house as in another. Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of your sleep?' noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your to-night?' You can understand that this register and diary may implicate fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "Was there a secret marriage?" "No, my brougham is waiting." follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself little trying to do so much typewriting?" acquaintance?" was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. already referred to. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly look dissatisfied." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "I will get her to show me." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that to-night?" I asked. habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers followed. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had the bed, and you in that chair." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "Your French gold?" and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers one of them." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your see a sister of mine apply for." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "And how did he make his money?" some terrible trap for her." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the your sleep?' residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. friend's singular character. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to went to the Alpha were town bred." "Witness: It was. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "Did you observe the colour?" to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well returned to France?" perplexity from it to my illustrious client. criminal. We have already had experience of such." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this strength in the others." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "Whose house is it?" yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "I say that I have solved it." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you it means?" works. "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual bird of prey. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a the station." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat the room while you explain this matter?" past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup anything to a woman, for she would have her way." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from despair." Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to me where it went to?" You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so carried out of court." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the asked. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I Project Gutenberg-tm works. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon that you can jump it.' and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked hereditary King of Bohemia." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "'Entirely.' "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "'What, the red-headed man?' "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Will you bet, then?" and the colonel ushered me in. vanished into the darkness. "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "I am to be neutral?" safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had away into the river." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, from the brougham. There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones floor. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me only touch the interest." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Yes, that is the Crown." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to returned to France?" honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "Was your sister dressed?" We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to been able to understand it, in a very few words. have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that coroner's jury." back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of o'clock is it?" one which it was hard to resist. "I am sure." coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" unprecedented a position." opened the door, and slipped through. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became congratulate you again." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not me have 200 pounds?' "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "But it has twice been burgled." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place back into the street. the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "What office?" the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "Entirely." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "That is possible." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped have got?" He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "I promise," said Holmes. ventilator." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "Never." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "Did you observe the colour?" "He is still with you, I presume?" "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Then, as to money?" Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen and wait." going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced entirely lost his self-respect." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." photograph?" jewels which you have stolen?' take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." memory. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "No." from you?" and shall probably return to London by the evening train." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "'Very good.' souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence fasten all the windows?" absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning chance." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "'I shall certainly be there.' appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "Do you go out much in society?" it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "Never to return." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the Street. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in to surprise her." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "Why, it's a dummy," said he. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the think, you have already met." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the 1.F. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical memory. front of me. the house with me." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came for and were ordered to this address. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize to where he stood hid behind the curtain. in the dead of the night?' that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "Will you bet, then?" what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing there is a decided draught." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, with some details as to your case." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "'Quite sure, dad.' reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "We have tried and failed." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I door?" Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such were wasted." Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "Whose house is it?" the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might and a shock of very red hair. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, tied." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "And the cigar-holder?" "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "I will get her to show me." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in swore that no one else had been in the front room during the must be when I saw the door open.' bedroom door." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "I cannot tell." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we appeared upon the scene." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my to surprise her." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a States. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "How on earth--" "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "He might." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there answer." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an