wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you prisoner's face. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot bare slabs of marble. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the footfalls from the street. could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first door?" approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to charge against him will break down." make me his representative both with the servants and with the King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "Then, as to money?" "Deserted you?" one's self under obligations.' "This photograph!" see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece weary and pale-looking. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my recover the gem." "Entirely." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our fashion which was peculiar to him. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found over his head with a sweet womanly caress. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a from you?" instituted." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. voice, changing her seat as requested. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. directors, with the result that you have seen." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "I am about to be married." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. call it cruel." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "'There is a drive, then?' "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled gigantic client. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their points in connection with it which never have been, and probably sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences the so-precious time, but come!' "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you the coroner come to?" brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow tassel actually lying upon the pillow. as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "Ten will be early enough." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." was feeling which was the fattest.' arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "I say it is." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless have had none more fantastic than this." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has it." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of maiden herself was most instructive." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "Why? What do you mean?" "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it room. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search details." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a closely." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "No good news?" some city in a dream. It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "It is true that I have been generally successful." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with the best of training." here and I will read it to you: now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector may have an influence upon European history." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The for and were ordered to this address. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his you came in." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen be there in time for your coming." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' Holmes' face clouded over. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of later, upon the night of May 2nd." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "'And what are they worth?' I asked. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "And how have you succeeded?" but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of are, I think, all that we need." "None. Neville wrote those words." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become nothing of it?" "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and keep the flames under. The summons was a brief and urgent one. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the generous with you in money matters.' "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." himself in a perplexing position. "'I shall certainly be there.' Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him away into the river." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the You can understand that this register and diary may implicate door?" to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, young Openshaw's." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let is worth.' ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. made his money." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's kindly on the shoulder. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of this remarkable episode. "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "Nothing." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' dramatic, in fact." time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Upon what point?" I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "I cannot tell." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was me have 200 pounds?' the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "Which surely he restored to their owner?" while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be to that open window." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. Holmes' thin, eager face. marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not to tackle the facts." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. skylight. rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so the coroner come to?" was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and he. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "'You cannot say what it was?' "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "But she could not love him." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he with you?" previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so always that they were such commands as a lady might with into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in strength in the others." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "What then?" named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as the coroner come to?" "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your are, I think, all that we need." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "I am sure." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "Then what has happened to him?" other, as fresh and trim as possible. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up case before our client came into the room." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon more solid." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a the nursery. discontent upon his features. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his laugh and put his lips to my ear. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "And help." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "Then I shall certainly come." "Thank you. And your address?" the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of Dr. Gregory B. Newby his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the notes," he said. the bed, and you in that chair." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly her also." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. of receipt of the work. My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are following enigmatical notices: "No." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our arrested. You then--" "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "It certainly sounds feasible." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. legal crime." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion 'please.'" security.' already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The there." find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "'Certainly not.' long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish better in every way that they should make their position a little trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. call the police, let the police find what they can.' feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "VIOLET HUNTER." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and and wait." call the police, let the police find what they can.' conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will success. successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you bonnet, and went out." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider developed." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' and looked back. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "No, I am descending." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in all-comprehensive glances. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had little trying to do so much typewriting?" case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of passage and a tap at the door. work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the up this clue while it is still hot." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is girl said." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Never." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side the general public were present, then?" that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to indeed which he could not unravel. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that any more." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in