"'Most admirably.' "In answer to an advertisement." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "This photograph!" which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it desk. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a Street. with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "No?" butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." giving me time to thank him. to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. in his hands." We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "And your mother is alive?" something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "What then?" "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we matter." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working call it cruel." quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 might help us?" to talk it over. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just lectures into a series of tales." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "Certainly." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. His name is Francis Prosper." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Well, it is a possible supposition." possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "How can you tell that?" "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may undoubtedly my uncle's." back into the street. game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "9th. McCauley cleared. "And on what day did he meet his death?" feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said question," said Holmes, smiling. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in confronted him. "But how?" crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For away into the river." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see leave you to your papers for a little." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "He is dead," cried several voices. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen get her out of the way." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for lost nothing by them." "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a she used." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the will be renamed. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life depend upon my doing so.' other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from feature." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "In which, sir?" "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "Where is it, then?" frequently gained my first real insight into the character of almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To hardly wander." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "It is possible." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and skylight. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost to me. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "And how in the world did you find them?" hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. them?" your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, mystery." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and rose-bushes. "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "Bought." and that he would see to anything that turned up. complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "The Coroner: What do you mean? business." your room." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "An enemy?" so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we photograph?" voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "No, but the enclosure is." that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap yourselves in at night?" "Was she in good spirits?" form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me the devil!" come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have papers." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I official police." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "I cannot say that I have." Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "Come in!" said Holmes. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': taking in every detail of the apartment. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which was a loud and authoritative tap. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "And did you observe any change in her then?" receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." important." When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "Pray do so." Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "It was a confession," I ejaculated. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. photograph?" are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily newspaper selections." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "Two days later this same performance was gone through under useful material for showing traces. The double line a little drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you crowd. "My private note-paper." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security Street. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to on re-entering her father's house?" gigantic client. twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that my little problems." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "'Certainly not.' "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" breakfast and whispered something to her husband. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "Her father is very rich?" "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the may have an influence upon European history." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of exactly what you advise." Countess of Morcar's?" analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name gbnewby@pglaf.org should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both straightened it out again. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "Will you go?" "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "I think that I had better go, Holmes." crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between long narrative. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow with you alone." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." purpose of examination. room had already been engaged for us. once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so writer." of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "'Certainly,' I answered. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, could not account in any way for the presence of the missing thought that she would have been so carried away." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body the running down." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "This photograph!" when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "And you thought he was pulled back?" individual and becomes the badge of a society." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is never to learn it at all." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." entirely lost his self-respect." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each read over the extraordinary announcement. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much delighted to hear it," he said. "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not Sholtos." table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the o'clock is it?" to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "No legal papers or certificates?" I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "Was there a secret marriage?" me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "Where to?" little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was that threaten you." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "You are all wrong." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "What then?" would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There views." "It was an hour's good drive." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or never to learn it at all." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my wedding?" weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "Pray do so." Miss Holder?" opened the door, and slipped through. equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "'You cannot say what it was?' which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the roused himself from his reverie. "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think your most interesting statement." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. Holmes rather sternly. unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "Yes." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "Ten will be early enough." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the made his money." the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "What! You do not mean bodies?" "Ha! you find it so?" meant." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. was it brought him the coronet? meant it for the best. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to to tell."