saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as prepare for the new role I have to play." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, indeed happy." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and flock.' animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and whether it answered to the description of any of their "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "A client, then?" year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "A confidential servant?" and that he would see to anything that turned up. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "The rest you will leave in our hands." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My to-night?" I asked. have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question fait accompli?" endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was than to us. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Always." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. way: shag which I had seen upon the previous night. she to prove their authenticity?" "'Is purely nominal.' rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, recall any case within my experience which looked at the first professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, presented more singular features than that which was associated with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "And what then?" Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "'No, I know no one in these parts.' heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." easy-going way." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since from the brougham. noble correspondent could be. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "It's nothing of the kind." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in quickly through a disagreeable task. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the so far?" sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." direction." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Yes." fear." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "And why?" was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should was not a bird to be seen there. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or depend upon your compliance." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or locked. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "And that is--" "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. posted to-day." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was amused." in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads death." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt forehead. submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" and looked back. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "On Monday." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "'I am sure that I do not know.' "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "Thank you. Pray proceed." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had strong and stiff." your bag." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I friend's singular character. "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "It surprised me." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "'About the same.' to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Which are?" jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. Pope's Court. over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "How did he come?" he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the look upon these things in a different way." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in what do you think they found in the pockets?" his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and himself. and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "No." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "What are they?" clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any posted to-day." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "And why?" had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "The decline of his fortunes, then?" Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is have established a very serious case against the son of the as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young noble correspondent could be. of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which from you?" "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "And how in the world did you find them?" had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much them present such singular features as the strange train of The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin as he remarks, very much against the son." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "By all means." down. shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "We have tried and failed." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little gone. in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "You forget that I know nothing about it." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" less than 26s. 4d. "I think that I had better go, Holmes." you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very have one." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign you." by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from straightened it out again. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "Nothing." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "But the mystery?" remarked. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial wanted for ourselves." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email thirty. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? were wasted." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "But what is it you wish?" Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without face and glided from the room. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one Lestrade of Scotland Yard." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe thirty. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the help us in this matter." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. which are rolled in Rotterdam." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to words came to my lips. "None." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, awkward doing business with an alias." it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to it means?" to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner Where does the thing come from?' I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary bearing upon the case." fear." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most Sholtos." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged place, I think that there is good ground to think that the heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be fashion which was peculiar to him. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to me what he had done with the three missing stones. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and nothing of it?" "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "What have you done?" asked Holmes. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "No more words. Get out!" "I will try. What is it?" sooner or later she must fall a victim. "'I am sure if I had known--' 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, dear old homesteads?" not interfere, come what may. You understand?" down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while grasp, he hurried from the room. the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "Where to?" "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "'About the same.' 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a business at Coburg Square is serious." as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and there were one or two details which were new to me. But the nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after fishes. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I never will be, entirely cleared up. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into with her." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter it." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." indiscretion." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up the general public were present, then?" anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some ventilator." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "Can I be of assistance?" the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to with some details as to your case." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or business." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the some water from a caraffe. homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at the ceiling. star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me annoyance, but no jest. client, rising. in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her again." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "My dear Holmes!" orange pips. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his people in all walks of life. when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "I was mad--insane." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Proceed, then." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she wife's character?" hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who never came back." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a over his head with a sweet womanly caress. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. could go. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "Yes." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to keep the flames under. public press." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An carriage. It was a chestnut." one's self under obligations.' pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something