on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "Witness: It was. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "Just look it up, then." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "How do you know, then?" The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew I nodded to show that I had heard. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" prepare for the new role I have to play." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "Why serious?" kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the key turn in the lock." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I not use it unless it is absolutely needed." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of examine." "'There is a drive, then?' derbies." returning from some small jollification and was making his way presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. at once, for I have only half an hour." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom and the colonel ushered me in. became a certainty. "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the bears upon the case?" came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "But his left-handedness." existence." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while one's self under obligations.' "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no come either from the window or the door. My attention was "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "What of the rat, then?" his face. in darkness. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him noise which awoke you from your sleep?" in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. to-night." the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply get the tickets." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these your troubles." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "I would pay ten." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you brain must have something in it." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "It is a murder, then?" central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, better in every way that they should make their position a little "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "I cannot think." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast back into the street. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "'Most admirably.' earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' newspaper selections." pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little down. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' me where it went to?" cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "Where, then?" "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "Was your sister dressed?" "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "'I have already given you my word.' "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself the window, rose as we entered. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes both be extremely obliged.' note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "And help." 1.E.9. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." face and glided from the room. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a distinguish the words: views." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "A call for help, you thought?" orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "But she could not love him." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to society." with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "Where is it, then?" sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power him to go away.' The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. said he. "What steps will you take?" I asked. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have I. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, what these perils are?" "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "I don't say that. Perhaps." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of it means?" unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "An accident, I presume?" station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "The vanishing of the lady." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler interested in these little problems, and since you are good seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the him and tried to hold him back. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "VIOLET HUNTER." "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached province." questioning and rather startled gaze. one of them." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which eavesdroppers?' the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed maid will bring up your coffee." some terrible trap for her." the house with me." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "Perhaps I have." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "What, then, did Peterson do?" it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "Then, how do you know?" smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have hurried by. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps to-night." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not a monotonous occupation." "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" room?" "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; Dr. Gregory B. Newby For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right secret." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "That is unusual in a young girl." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself it were putty." see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then fluttered off among the others. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. clang of the bell. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two became a certainty. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" and your relations to her." money should be paid at once.' think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "Texas, I think." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Yes, there are nearly always some there." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "And the cigar-holder?" between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was see me here to avoid scandal." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." crackling voice. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "'Yes.' position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, opened the door, and slipped through. applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "What steps will you take?" I asked. and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "Yes." them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' ran thus: facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no annoyance, but no jest. gone. at once, for I have only half an hour." system of imprisonment?" Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "She walked into the breakfast-room." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "There is the writing." Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "Where is it, then?" monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "Deserted you?" intrusion of other matters." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out wanted for ourselves." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he carriage. It was a chestnut." your equipment. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "And Irene Adler?" crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any at home. "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "Then I can wait in the next room." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "But I am all in the dark." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in to-morrow." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "By train from Waterloo." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "To the police?" "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, when you have done it." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and 1.E.9. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in most important business. It is probable that he will be away all both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. lost nothing by them." "And how did he make his money?" contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of into the bag, and made for the door. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the begin with, and I had not got mine yet." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever ourselves in the office." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "I am armed." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was which I could not give. He asked for Alice. were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the them present such singular features as the strange train of I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large questionable one." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "The doctor?" concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning,