day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "Was the window open?" come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with lost nothing by them." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in and that he would see to anything that turned up. access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must purpose equally well?" "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the answered with a sidelong glance. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "'What do you call purely nominal?' It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell 1.F. at my remark. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked towards the blaze. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the The telegram which we eventually received came late one night your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we Serpentine Avenue. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, you." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his eat it." "'Yes, sir.' third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all where we are going." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "By no means." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "Could he throw no light?" "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "So I am. Very much so." returned to France?" It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at would then never go into court at all." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back dear old homesteads?" "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed in the hope of finding them." success. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "The best possible." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in to tell." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we behind me. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "So I am. Very much so." your billet.' a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a wedding?" unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned chance." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "She will not sell." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" matter over." as this. Pray let me have the details." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out the little opening for the ventilator is." "And you don't know his address?" It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "Yes, it was twisted." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is like that before?" opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are soul! here is her carriage at the door." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you telegram would bring me down to your help." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, Street. "'And the work?' "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just friends, not even his own brother. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of you." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "My private note-paper." "It surprised me." anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me prepare for the new role I have to play." "What can it mean?" I gasped. "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his along the entire front of the house, with three long windows friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand me. You must get home instantly and act." "Your French gold?" "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said ashen face. reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "The best possible." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. him and tried to hold him back. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love think that he is innocent?" followed. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. a little more before I quite committed myself. freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an chance at all." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "And the cigar-holder?" and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "Yes, it was twisted." "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "You have the photograph?" "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged read over the extraordinary announcement. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon the morning and make my own way in the world.' test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. to take care of herself." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have province." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you already been minutely examined." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many are windows in it, of course?" "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child The King stared at him in amazement. "Proceed, then." "Yes, sir." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "Nearly eleven." him and tried to hold him back. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "Her father is very rich?" interests were the same as his." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "How on earth--" chill to my heart. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "Yes." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "But what will you do?" Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now had this final quarrel? "Very well, sir. And this stone?" like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. strength." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "He might." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "I came to find a friend." "The best possible." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much in your London, you will know that the office of the company is upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. ourselves in the office." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "Really! You surprise me." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but later, upon the night of May 2nd." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. heavily into it. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "It's nothing of the kind." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "Dr. Becher's." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away call you and give you the chance." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "I am following you closely," I answered. "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what everything which you would wish to know." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the in your London, you will know that the office of the company is after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "You have but to name it." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic threw himself down with his face to the pillow. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to was shining brightly. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I husband's writing, madam." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Yes." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more directly by questioning you." strong reason behind." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a quite distinctive." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, redistribution. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got situation." "An enemy?" family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a memory. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past hands. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you Watson," he said cordially. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "Well?" Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest sufficient punishment." of the vacancies.' reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty drawing your inferences." "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, into the bag, and made for the door. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no indiscretion." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am detained." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is of it with the greatest attention. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had an introduction to him?" lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "The Coroner: What do you mean? but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they asked with his eyes open. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Absolutely none." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she with the outside air!" "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the humiliation." very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a back alive. least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to vault. with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the overpowering excitement and concern. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "You think so, too?" "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have papers." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his any little problem which you may submit to me." putting in the horse. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, straighten it?" "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "That is also quite modern," said the lady. Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing she might be summoned. which was all perfectly true. pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." wanted for ourselves." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a fait accompli?" "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, helping a boy to put up the shutters. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "But the mystery?" "Well, but China?" "'How far from the body?' cigar and let me expound." "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes the matter." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "And sit in the dark?" framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "Perhaps we may make them less so." cup of tea. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "Seven!" I answered. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect imbecility!" he cried. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six at home. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" golden eyeglasses. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" the south-west, I see." This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.'