where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "Where, indeed?" propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached what is your own theory as to what took place?" had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting the salesman. here and I will read it to you: importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to she to prove their authenticity?" "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more useful material for showing traces. The double line a little the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, photograph a cabinet?" is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love This is what he says: the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the appeal." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case a good hundred miles off by now." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and the running down." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back for the market.' "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "No bad?" is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door of the one which your family is now devouring." wanted for ourselves." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back cigar and let me expound." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of asked with his eyes open. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the and have this put in the evening papers." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you if I call to-morrow?" Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and paper in the air. "Was the window open?" "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was daring than any effort of the imagination." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has compunction about shooting them down." "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his was used.' left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only heavily into it. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the returning from some small jollification and was making his way "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The be best to do. he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free once more to my work. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small asked with his eyes open. armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you bell. Holmes whistled. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, always that they were such commands as a lady might with "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry chance." "What can you not understand?" known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "'Never,' said I. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" your Highness to the police-station?" to miss it." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "'What do you call purely nominal?' the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. interested in these little problems, and since you are good "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the feature." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "I see many objections to any such theory." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the developed." Project Gutenberg-tm works. client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in which we had just quitted. a very grave face. confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary again on its way. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" little trying to do so much typewriting?" Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements cigars in their mouths. "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the papers must be those that are destroyed.' "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "I don't believe it." "Yes." photograph?" law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the vanished into the darkness. "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was the devil!" "No, but the enclosure is." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "You think so, too?" her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the redistribution. the inner apartment." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other the so-precious time, but come!' have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been the Red-headed League." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." the Red-headed League." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this beyond words. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "Then the page we have seen--" it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "'In my own bureau.' "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "I saw her in conversation with her maid." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "'How far from the body?' sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of legal crime." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which recover the gem." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I brain must have something in it." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the Holmes. we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three main points of my analysis." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "No." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and was it brought him the coronet? knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very I have it here in my museum." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest closely." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "'Very good.' very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "I say that I have solved it." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. visitors." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are because she had spent so short a time in this country that she agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "He is dead," cried several voices. "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in awkward doing business with an alias." "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is Surrey." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy three of the beryls in it, was missing. me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I question. with her." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "I cannot tell." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other American. Then who could this American be, and why should he paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This Street. which are rolled in Rotterdam." "And how?" secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, emerged. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my of the way of danger. main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "The rest you will leave in our hands." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "I should wish to." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, my secret was safe in his possession. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "My own seal." noting anything else of interest. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have most important business. It is probable that he will be away all Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." in this way: "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "My dear Holmes!" the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the there were one or two details which were new to me. But the the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. room had already been engaged for us. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very call it cruel." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. lost his Christmas dinner." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "That was it, sir." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "'Is purely nominal.' one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation rooms." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say other, as fresh and trim as possible. sake, don't!" "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I directors, with the result that you have seen." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally shoulder; "he's all right." became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to Holmes' room. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, passage and a tap at the door. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "It must be recovered." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "None." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing Eyford at 11:15.' "BALLARAT." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed it." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the felt?" judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done breakfast and whispered something to her husband. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell this remarkable episode. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "Married! When?" idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a recall any case within my experience which looked at the first have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must subject to the trademark license, especially commercial weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the past. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a despaired of." "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "What is it?" And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her any." habit of advancing money.' compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "To the police?" hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming British peeress.'" would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all his wife has ceased to love him." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" there were so many in the whole country as were brought together sake, don't!" unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have questioning and rather startled gaze. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the have I gained?" to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you get her out of the way." "If I can be of use." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; light and attacked it." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that skylight. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Yes." safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a 1.F. jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Of what?" "My Mary? Impossible!" finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off IS inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that of Mr. Rucastle's." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have fattened it expressly for you.'