in this way: income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, to tackle the facts." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which again." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to to talk it over. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "How did you deduce the select?" "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "We must sit without light. He would see it through the January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, the roots. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen the little opening for the ventilator is." upon a handsome competence. glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with telegram would bring me down to your help." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed written. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger in him." "I cannot imagine." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose and laid it on the table. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, a good hundred miles off by now." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the morning." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "How can you tell that?" appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and time." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been prison!" particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "I never have." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years could not have written that. It is the German who is so awkward doing business with an alias." get her out of the way." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. details." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales characteristics, but those are the more obvious." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "The rest you will leave in our hands." makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would London for the present?" society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "It is very clear." murdered man." compunction about shooting them down." clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "It is his hat." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "He slept on the premises." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "I have my revolver," said I. chemical work which was so dear to him. washing it down with a long draught of water. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the what these perils are?" "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "'I am sure if I had known--' digesting their breakfasts at home." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, Lestrade of Scotland Yard." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the her also." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in coat-tails." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "No." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "'I have already given you my word.' planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began keep the flames under. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. to talk it over. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "By train from Waterloo." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the felt?" affection." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in society." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "To an English lawyer named Norton." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am presume?" work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 crime." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "That is unusual in a young girl." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "The murder was done with it." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the wife's character?" "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "None." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her chair. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "'No, I know no one in these parts.' answer." possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose not come at once?" have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped are windows in it, of course?" speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his hour." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, rose-bushes. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile next day. character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her believe that I should never have any practice at all. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "How many? I don't know." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of existence." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "And what did you see?" through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "And Irene Adler?" had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that IS ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. ordinary clothes on?" window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "'Is purely nominal.' "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. key turn in the lock." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but companion quietly. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "I should wish to." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, just ask you whether you had heard it.' adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, locked. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could bears upon the case?" hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it said he. "Where did he live, then?" "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "And from a noble client?" may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "By all means." Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing cigars in their mouths. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the fasten all the windows?" "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" the devil!" "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one highroad, where all traces were lost. at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up bird I ate is country bred." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a salesman. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my as he folded up the epistle. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." should be so warm over such a trifle." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, straightened it out again. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "In answer to an advertisement." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which becomes even more simple." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, Project Gutenberg-tm works. pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a III. has little to do with my story." "What have you to say now?" all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no in his power. reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his the driver. "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter married her." "Pray do so." manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been neither fascinating nor artistic." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which bled considerably." road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "What do you mean?" a monotonous occupation." been with you?" the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "Why serious?" it." that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "'What then?' I asked. But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, characteristics, but those are the more obvious." upon the white wrist. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or not personally threatened." back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon whatever might befall. "And why in hopes?" arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might to-night." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. unprecedented a position." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense unclasping of his long thin hands. pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the undoubtedly my uncle's." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." wedding?" have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." desk. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom undoubtedly my uncle's." way in." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "But I am all in the dark." "To an end?" reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "And how in the world did you find them?" Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came became a certainty. got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be outside. "Oh, fresh and glossy." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are absolutely follow my advice in every respect." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' was not a bird to be seen there. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were signal between you and your father? did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. back alive. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. in his hands." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope face and glided from the room. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "Yes." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our it means?" "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but felt the room to be a little close.' "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the garden below. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have had this final quarrel? leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, these bleak autumnal evenings." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear tell him that I know him to be innocent." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. will take you up to see the machine.' the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?"