"'And the work?' It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Who by?" Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be past. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "I do." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander vanished into the darkness. suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which him and tried to hold him back. to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he mystery!" Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." leaning back in his chair. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "By no means." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I in him." know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress extraordinary contortions. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up desk. "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you are windows in it, of course?" screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more in. "'I have already given you my word.' I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. that there was nothing in it, after all." it were putty." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "She told me to ask you." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, gigantic client. "Why, what do you mean?" possible that we could bring him back to her? as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you meant." this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "BALLARAT." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of threw himself down with his face to the pillow. difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were for the market.' Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. thin, with a long, sharp nose?" As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the interested in these little problems, and since you are good had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "Then the page we have seen--" "Thank you. Pray proceed." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "No legal papers or certificates?" note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. of this gang." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are once more on the important position which you have been fortunate Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "You think so, too?" my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was problems help me to do so." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that at my own good fortune. "And who is her maid?" fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we house for five minutes.' "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "Not I." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an observed. "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late as he remarks, very much against the son." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "'What then?' I asked. purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "Yes." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right was a perfect sample of the class. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a face and glided from the room. Surrey." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason when your master had gone out." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich bachelor.' he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "You'll never persuade me to believe that." or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "And your mother is alive?" the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which straightened it out again. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "Perhaps I have." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety useful material for showing traces. The double line a little interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his was keenly on my guard against him. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four taking in every detail of the apartment. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "I guessed as much." "But you have hopes?" heavy and sharp instrument." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. behind me. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in public press." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "No sign of it?" you came in." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. your billet.' gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "But how?" still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, strength of mind to control. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "It may not come to that," said Holmes. Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a closing the door. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "It was." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "And how have you succeeded?" continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my you." telegram would bring me down to your help." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "I should wish to." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "I say it is." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "Always." "And why in hopes?" "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "'Which dealer's?' "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as to talk it over. Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my your co-operation." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would Stoke Moran." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, brain must have something in it." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil through." more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." and the whole place is in a blaze." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and with you?" trifles." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "It missed him, then?" met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I this as likely?" thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the once more on the important position which you have been fortunate happened." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same coroner's jury." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "Stoke Moran?" said he. "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were in my life." she slowly sank and died without having recovered her The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an upon a handsome competence. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do Holmes." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them to tackle the facts." "I think it very unlikely." letters?" of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, seen the man in the road." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, Holmes rather sternly. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood coroner's jury." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest you in your example." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such crime. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two John Swain, of St. Augustine. walking." that I am arrested." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point prove to be little relation between the different incidents of 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my walking." "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "Nor running a chance of arrest?" held up the lantern and gazed about him. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." chambers. There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose careless servant girl?" houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "Did he not advertise?" the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "Well, it is a possible supposition." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater But Holmes shook his head gravely. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel conduct the inquiry." my friend's incisive reasoning. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for habit of advancing money.' in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents which our visitor detailed to us. endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "What! Had he lost his wife?" this truth that in these little records of our cases which you neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. neither fascinating nor artistic." sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill you in your example." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "You don't mind breaking the law?" have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." pictures, libraries, or plate. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "I will, Miss Turner." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the points to suicide?" paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew his fortune, and I went back to pa. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for in my life." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if evidence," I remarked. the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which quite distinctive." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in beyond words. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one burst out into a roar of laughter. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One despaired of." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "But she could not love him." had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "What will you say?" qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "Was your sister dressed?" down. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's appeal." assist you in forming an opinion." remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "In heaven's name, what for?" hands. I nodded again. rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long about here speaks of his kindness to him." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever place, I think that there is good ground to think that the and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll and wait." away into the river." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "Precisely." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "But she could not love him." observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between visitors." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements