London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled you." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than you found me to-night--and running through the front room she my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in any more." He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are returned to France?" the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. excitement. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated footfalls from the street. from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the guilty one." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only which was all perfectly true. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "I was certainly surprised to find you there." eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "I would give my fortune to have them back." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." that he will be back before evening." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked laugh and put his lips to my ear. "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "And now?" I asked. for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "And Miss Sutherland?" is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you the station." and your relations to her." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it outside." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are bed dies. Does not that strike you?" the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" putting in the horse. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and death." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of important." both be extremely obliged.' stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. meant it for the best. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper already referred to. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "'Yes.' light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there Arthur Conan Doyle suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' a room. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I her also." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon nonsense.' Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had which our visitor detailed to us. half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep to affect your life." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came with her." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly such attractions and accomplishments?' of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "Well, but China?" "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "She walked into the breakfast-room." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he enough to aid us in our search." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his as noiselessly as she had come. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange questionable one." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we said I. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "Come in!" said Holmes. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air man. I know him from the photograph." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught tail." with the outside air!" Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid trifles." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." were wasted." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to have I gained?" I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to must compliment you." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "I will try. What is it?" It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same think that any burglar could have done. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "That is easily got." her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a than was visible to me." directly by questioning you." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "What!" he roared. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a companion. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "How often?" our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My he bowed and left the room without another word. Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "You are hungry," I remarked. by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from For additional contact information: belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and signal between you and your father? It may be so in this case, also." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from retorted upon me, and I on you." the inner apartment." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" them, and came down just as you departed. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To one of the states of the Union." you?" struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "It came here." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all drawing your inferences." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "And Miss Sutherland?" paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his may have an influence upon European history." foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "And how did he make his money?" be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "But what harm can there be in that?" in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "You saw the ventilator, too?" been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "You have but to name it." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "No, I think that I'll take it." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to dead, shall be safe with us." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the woman." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "Texas, I think." fattened it expressly for you.' the armchair which I pushed forward for him. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook Pope's Court. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have voice. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. was a perfect sample of the class. room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her bill, which interests me deeply." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "I was certainly surprised to find you there." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door the inner apartment." the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was upon the sideboard." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he Serpentine Avenue. father's place of business?" the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "'No, I know no one in these parts.' sit on the left-hand side of the driver." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, London for the present?" "How did he come?" always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there indeed happy." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or already referred to. used to be." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his client, rising. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after me. been." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "The knees of his trousers." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight did not hear it also.' that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are wall." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "Then, how do you know?" it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by the general public were present, then?" about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "I assure you that I am in your hands." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a could not account in any way for the presence of the missing breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that Sutherland. contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded your Highness to the police-station?" figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "'Where to?' sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my returned to France?" "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "And is that all?" individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "But she will refuse." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. populous neighbourhood." "We have tried and failed." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "That was it, sir." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "'Why that?' I asks. and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly chill to my heart. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between with frightened eyes at his accuser. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has completely overtopped every other consideration that we both in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need investigation." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead our word." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "So I heard. You have him here?" building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement could go. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are advice." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "Was there a secret marriage?" cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "By no means." burst out into a roar of laughter. three of the beryls in it, was missing. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the and all of them with the keenest interest. closely." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one Again Holmes raved in the air. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "Why did you pick him?" cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and