would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." there is a decided draught." "You have compromised yourself seriously." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "Do you go out much in society?" defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." awkward doing business with an alias." drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we where Mr. Fordham shows you.' bird I ate is country bred." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." call it cruel." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up any little problem which you may submit to me." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear I think that I could be of assistance to you." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "How often?" *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is know what is wrong with it.' naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "He said that you could solve anything." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, children over to America with him, so that I found myself without of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "Awake, Watson?" he asked. my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would trifles." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It what these perils are?" "And what then?" We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "'You doubt its value?' he asked. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over outbreak?" empty. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have hopeless attempt at recovering them." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "A call for help, you thought?" be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I in the port of London." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "Yes, at the mines." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the me. You must get home instantly and act." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost which I could not give. He asked for Alice. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but to tackle the facts." from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic gigantic client. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "None." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "No?" "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an yet." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that locked." fashion which was peculiar to him. but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to speckled band?" the stones. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "'Certainly not.' "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am bears upon the case?" "We have tried and failed." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a some city in a dream. he. "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any seven miles from Eyford Station.' red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "Never to return." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found dates and names. was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm together. this Miss Turner." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "It is possible." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have bears upon the case?" I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "That is not always so easy." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** third from London." "I am about to be married." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "I have a cab outside." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "A confidential servant?" Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." skylight. delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "She showed me, as I told you she would." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who at once, for I have only half an hour." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to a suggestive one." him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door with you alone." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Then how many are there?" first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing relief. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an is a common subject for conversation. Arthur Conan Doyle this poor creature." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the you?' living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You like that before?" Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I not come at once?" Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy intrusion of other matters." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own could not have written that. It is the German who is so "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see garden below. "My stepfather's business papers." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of problems help me to do so." didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't go--none." my former friend and companion. "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project case-book, which he consulted. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "And Miss Sutherland?" who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of the coronet at all injured?" suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been pierced for earrings?" "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my over here." of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "That's no good." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. when your master had gone out." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed kind enough to tell me what I should do." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came that you saw all that I did." tied." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began my special province." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be for the market.' for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "No." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a third from London." him. important." did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by at home. "Imitated." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "No sign of it?" occupations.' time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "In heaven's name, what for?" from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it grasp, he hurried from the room. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every was not a bird to be seen there. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their door?" A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself 1.F. planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "In what way?" asked Holmes. appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was have not had my rubber." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural rat could hardly pass through." "She told me to ask you." was shining brightly. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will arms and began to sob in a high treble key. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw train.' away to you." "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "So I am. Very much so." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "By no means." you, my dear young lady?' fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for arms and began to sob in a high treble key. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in on re-entering her father's house?" have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had God! What an exposure! What can I do?" Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "Your French gold?" propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of approach us with offers to donate. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. me upon any point which I do not make clear." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "We have tried and failed." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "By all means." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "Oh, fresh and glossy." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "About a month then." "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked.