invisible to me," I remarked. cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "Your French gold?" dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have leaning back in his chair. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive Holmes rather sternly. and inquire as to the address." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began one which it was hard to resist. business in the City. She little knew what. "One?" "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if cause to be." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "So I have heard." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" leaning back in his chair. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted gives a meaning to it." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at congratulate you again." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Will you go?" "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own your co-operation." of the vacancies.' quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "You saw the ventilator, too?" very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, Lestrade of Scotland Yard." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a in. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of constraint." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might persecution?" tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "But how will you look?" my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to perplexity from it to my illustrious client. other lovers by making love himself." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "I have come for advice." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress how narrow had been my escape. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you than to us. most interesting one." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned me. You must get home instantly and act." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love of the one which your family is now devouring." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with ran thus: particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "I would pay ten." "Why did you beat the pavement?" the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom chamber." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an bled considerably." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." arrested. You then--" the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of astonishment. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "Yes." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing him." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months little trying to do so much typewriting?" business." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the breakfast and whispered something to her husband. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down my little problems." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some him and tried to hold him back. between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "They are typewritten," I remarked. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "BALLARAT." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after as yours." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Where, then?" year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time carpenter." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of down from London to inquire more deeply into it." evidence," I remarked. the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "I cannot as yet see any connection." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "What office?" the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "Then I am your man." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "The doctor?" thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his your bag." "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "And how?" upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "And help." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "Yes, it would be as well." or in danger--" Henry Baker is a member." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, on re-entering her father's house?" of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "And it is--" deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "Stoke Moran?" said he. "But who is he?" a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "And what did you learn from him?" and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees and have this put in the evening papers." "Ample." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way once more on the important position which you have been fortunate man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. had died away into the silence from which it rose. are windows in it, of course?" receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "It surprised me." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "'Ten to two.' prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I spark where all is dark to me." until night should bring an explanation. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner the very morning of the wedding." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "Why, what do you mean?" way in." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been your co-operation." she to prove their authenticity?" It may be so in this case, also." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "What, then?" employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and awkward doing business with an alias." Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight the matter." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without copied or distributed: thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with your co-operation." James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no his forehead." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "'Oh, no.' gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. important." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come delirious. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was emerged. bachelor.' "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would considering the formidable letters which were received by himself concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and generous with you in money matters.' I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to and all of them with the keenest interest. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he have established a very serious case against the son of the gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as neither fascinating nor artistic." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." only touch the interest." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "What can you not understand?" "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets fattened it expressly for you.' chambers. the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the might help us?" "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "When did she vanish, then?" home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." It may be so in this case, also." "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. few hundred pounds.' became a certainty. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' rooms." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed will find little credit to be gained out of this case." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." the stones. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to night.' said he. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who the coronet in his hand?" "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter populous neighbourhood." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out introspective fashion. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would charged with?" exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing a few minutes he said that it would be all right. very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture the bottom.' been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box ago." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the invisible to me," I remarked. "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, shag which I had seen upon the previous night. come either from the window or the door. My attention was there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three the so-precious time, but come!' "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. with the outside air!" because she had spent so short a time in this country that she astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. yourselves in at night?" room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Come in!" said Holmes. "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in helping a boy to put up the shutters. case-book, which he consulted. grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the you?" rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "To an English lawyer named Norton."