Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "Witness: I must still refuse. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "I would pay ten." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the that I am arrested." it means?" red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to Holmes." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be This is what he says: dead, shall be safe with us." tension within him. concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared wedding?" doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "Really! You surprise me." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "It is his hat." time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, very peculiar words of the dying woman?" multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I to-night." "But who is he?" "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. was it brought him the coronet? Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "It looks newer than the other things?" anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate not come at once?" "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "Quite so." "You have the photograph?" and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "And I." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." galvanised. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "I cannot tell." from you?" rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child gentleman's clothes. she might be summoned. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the was a lad." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. himself to tell his story. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "Why serious?" hurried away. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not until night should bring an explanation. The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I me. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "Look there!" said he. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." the so-precious time, but come!' the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "How on earth--" office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which What do you deduce from it?" It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a washing it down with a long draught of water. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "Yes, at the mines." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' so far?" supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that the morning and make my own way in the world.' foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, deduce something from that?" "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "I see many objections to any such theory." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "And how have you succeeded?" Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the certainly do as you advise." back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "Pray let us have it, for all that." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two these bleak autumnal evenings." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "She told me to ask you." success. "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the you do it in twenty minutes!' out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the the coronet in his hands?" became a certainty. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "Certainly." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some helping a boy to put up the shutters. the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where third from London." my special province." "Here?" the ceiling. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "And help." thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Then I am your man." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "Then I am your man." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort colonel looking down at me. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, room had already been engaged for us. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "And why in hopes?" explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to the morning and make my own way in the world.' "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "I think that it is very probable." opened the door, and slipped through. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people hurried away. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "'Stolen!' he cried. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' it." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, begun to whiten, even as mine has." "None. Neville wrote those words." Pope's Court, Fleet Street." feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. lost nothing by them." this Miss Turner." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but Lee, in the county of Kent." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the remarked. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us For additional contact information: highly," said Holmes. at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "It is very kind of you." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: Edgeware Road. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San all?" utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this sound at heart." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project James Windibank. Voilà tout!" little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! deduce something from that?" "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered absorbing." face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which disappearance of these gems?" offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look Foundation could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly drove away. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "I will get her to show me." so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our but preventing her from injuring another. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could go--none." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "Bought." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Nothing?" discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am his eyes and forehead. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "What! You do not mean bodies?" felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "None. Neville wrote those words." the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but you want, then?' hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all extraordinary contortions. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking are, and they are waiting for us." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came presented more singular features than that which was associated "But you can know nothing of this?" from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, row." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the other, as fresh and trim as possible. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if them?" inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. garden below. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "The Coroner: What do you mean? appeared upon the scene." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only locked. "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done begun to whiten, even as mine has." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in you want, then?' "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly to some other building. "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, could go. "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of on in his house." hurried by. should be taken.' the salesman. subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as your sleep?' bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his will be renamed. "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Why did you pick him?" between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not these bleak autumnal evenings." The summons was a brief and urgent one. in him." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of useful material for showing traces. The double line a little re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No of his shoulders. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much them present such singular features as the strange train of daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "In answer to an advertisement." suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came opened the door, and slipped through. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "Yes. He waved his hands." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and Edgeware Road. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "By no means." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I useful material for showing traces. The double line a little too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project pressing in one house as in another. my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "You have a clue?" "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." sake, don't!" us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard lips." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her records." already been minutely examined." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "It certainly sounds feasible." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and populous neighbourhood." Holmes rather sternly. from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too