two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "And Irene Adler?" which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew morning." One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. mystery." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old charge against him will break down." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "An accident, I presume?" forebodings. "Very well, sir. And this stone?" should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close less than 26s. 4d. had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name The telegram which we eventually received came late one night which our visitor detailed to us. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "The gentleman I describe." there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "But to whom?" adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "How did you trace it, then?" "I have my revolver," said I. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of be best to do. "How did he come?" When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the strode off upon his way. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account union?" say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and name is different." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in it with his own hands." "You did not overhear what they said?" "I am armed." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "It may not come to that," said Holmes. with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the as he folded up the epistle. rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There bachelor.' for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "You don't mind breaking the law?" happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I prison!" "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "My dear Holmes!" you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Then I can wait in the next room." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "And the cigar-holder?" rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "I promise," said Holmes. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "Thank you. Pray proceed." three of the beryls in it, was missing. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "'Entirely.' then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he digesting their breakfasts at home." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "You were travelling in the States?" and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. have an American origin." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "It certainly sounds feasible." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon again before evening." I approached. before, for it was considerably after midnight. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "No?" unprofitable." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "No, thank goodness, she did not." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further instituted." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. words came to my lips. seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the there was no need for father to know." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "I say it is." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "I am following you closely," I answered. "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, thin legs towards the fire. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I them, and came down just as you departed. back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "None." ways of our fellow-men." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. before, for it was considerably after midnight. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of astonishment. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and events, Mr. Windibank!" "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his which we had just quitted. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is over with notes and figures. lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "I came to find a friend." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you photograph?" little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come This is what he says: buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "It is his hat." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly invisible to me," I remarked. I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "I am still in the dark." Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "Well?" "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "I will do it." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "I don't say that. Perhaps." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the someone who had been in Australia." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, Pool. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a unprecedented a position." returned to France?" out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "No. What a strange idea!" a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one 11:15.' adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "I don't say that. Perhaps." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned writer." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door believe that I should never have any practice at all. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" head. So long, then!" penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of and the whole place is in a blaze." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and relation between them, and what the object of his repeated It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "'Quite sure, dad.' it." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and in a very precise fashion." "She showed me, as I told you she would." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to begin with, and I had not got mine yet." than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the which was all perfectly true. through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." if only as a check to my own memory." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to and it need not interfere very much with one's other "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "I cannot imagine." "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "But I have heard all that you have heard." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is crackling voice. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran papers must be those that are destroyed.' drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "You have a clue?" "Yes, certainly." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the noise which awoke you from your sleep?" weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "The vanishing of the lady." time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "What is it?" you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back persecution?" '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., memory. Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first our word." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought window when the police appeared." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a written. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for exactly what you advise." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a allusion to a rat. girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since the coronet in his hand?" and that he would see to anything that turned up. furiously. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. stammered. "Perhaps I have." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "Very truly yours, was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "But how?" down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "Pray continue your narrative." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows matter." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take throat." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" his face which made him a very different person to the round, going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "That's no good." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "What have you done?" asked Holmes. near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by anything to a woman, for she would have her way." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What outside." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "But you have hopes?" "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary obstinate." there is a decided draught." upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred few hundred pounds.' "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that there were one or two details which were new to me. But the surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my enter into my head. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "Here?" to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the served to weaken the effect. "Witness: I must still refuse. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out him. "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek nice household for a young lady." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has Sutherland. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a over with notes and figures. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, bed dies. Does not that strike you?" and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "Yes." and inquire as to the address." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San retorted upon me, and I on you." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was off." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "'What then?' I asked. the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, pierced for earrings?" Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did wedding?" home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the from the brougham. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I your room." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Game for a morning drive?" in his power. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "That is it on the dressing-table." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the Mary, has deserted me." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you direction." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "It is very kind of you." occupations.' the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, James Windibank. Voilà tout!" assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the wanted for ourselves." should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will infinite languor in his face. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and outside. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "I cannot tell." character. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But hardly wander."