has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I prison!" circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "How did that help you?" Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the Countess of Morcar's?" are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair intrusion of other matters." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent to have that photograph." For additional contact information: fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but Serpentine Avenue. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that directly by questioning you." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "The best possible." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a golden eyeglasses. take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the for and were ordered to this address. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in my former friend and companion. "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who gbnewby@pglaf.org me. You must get home instantly and act." "'Never.' down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a done what I asked you, Jones?" his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he fire. You quite follow me?" given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an interested in these little problems, and since you are good word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "Ample." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have II. methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally lost his Christmas dinner." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away desk. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman woman who has had her own way to make in the world. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us you do it in twenty minutes!' plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the drawing your inferences." place no limit on the sum I may draw." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in presume?" despair." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "No good news?" "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which said I. "And who is her maid?" forehead. her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing when your master had gone out." foot. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his investigation." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his bled considerably." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "Ten will be early enough." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered will not take me long to tell. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "But she could not love him." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work certainly do as you advise." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have just ask you whether you had heard it.' "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be forehead. here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Yes, all." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "Always." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend have been better. It is all right." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came eat it." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell at once, for I have only half an hour." have had none more fantastic than this." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn Dr. Gregory B. Newby We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: photograph a cabinet?" "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock for the market.' emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came arrangements." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "To an end?" "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "But how will you look?" figure." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to you do it in twenty minutes!' "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to cigar and let me expound." "What then?" If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "I have solved it." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "You don't mind breaking the law?" is acting for the best. I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "What I expected to see." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps something of him before." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, I am not easy in my mind about them." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was of the way of danger. "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "I see no marks." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been business." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the country, and eventually married, without anyone having a possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "Then I am your man." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "None. Neville wrote those words." murdered man." flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, this truth that in these little records of our cases which you against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when it." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to foot. after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of certainly do as you advise." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "And who is her maid?" fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, clang of the bell. bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" you?" souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the third from London." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was discontent upon his features. would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw meanly of me." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "Never." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "What of the rat, then?" "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was awaited us upon the table. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain if only as a check to my own memory." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds than was visible to me." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the leave you to your papers for a little." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "And Miss Sutherland?" sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, plantation.' long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the the Red-headed League." manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, criminal. We have already had experience of such." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of you for a few hours?" during the last few years, and there are many noble families to the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "But he might be a bachelor." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP carpenter." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed business matters.' from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "How do you know, then?" have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond in. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your sufficient punishment." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "And you can do nothing until then?" "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord James Windibank. Voilà tout!" appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. such person." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with crackling voice. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "It came here." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "He said too much." "So I am. Very much so." cause to be." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit threw himself down with his face to the pillow. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle occurred." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during during that time.' you in your example." But Holmes shook his head gravely. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the will he say when he returns?" served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet nice household for a young lady." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "Who by?" and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "Of Friday, June 19th." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; and capable of preserving a secret.' poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her developed." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him success. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my the window, rose as we entered. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this was a perfect sample of the class. he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, heavy and sharp instrument." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "You horrify me." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," whatever might befall. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on I leave." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "And Miss Sutherland?" in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Is he quiet?" strength." appeared upon the scene." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She the child." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down happened." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, place of silver." as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." hereditary King of Bohemia." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold morning." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "Who by?" whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied the coronet in his hands?" stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" my secret was safe in his possession. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "Do you go out much in society?" thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "'You doubt its value?' he asked. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be the nursery. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left copied or distributed: tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." mystery may be cleared along those lines." breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "Ha! you find it so?" say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "No." yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us all that?" "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of said he at last. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late not come at once?" "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was Young McCarthy must be got off, however." morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "There is the writing." "'Where could I find him?' until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "'Yes, sir.' nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six observed. case before our client came into the room."