corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. there was no need for father to know." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "Do you go out much in society?" "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "None." "'Certainly not. But why?' c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this geese which you supplied to the Alpha." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and Mary, has deserted me." Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his been deceived." "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "Well, it is a possible supposition." "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." second window is the one that I jumped from." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my foresight and the moral retrogression?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "It looks newer than the other things?" Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. experiences." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his During two years I have had three consultations and one small "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me strong reason behind." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "I see no marks." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "Certainly." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "But how?" "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders she used." "I cannot as yet see any connection." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, crackling voice. paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a stammered. the child." give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family questioning and rather startled gaze. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads amused." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the You can understand that this register and diary may implicate generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of dramatic, in fact." some terrible trap for her." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled Does that suggest anything?" "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "It surprised me." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in The King stared at him in amazement. "And you can do nothing until then?" an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could begin with, and I had not got mine yet." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "Very well, sir. And this stone?" a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now cheerful." "Yes. He waved his hands." burst out into a roar of laughter. I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my even so self-evident a thing as that." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to get the tickets." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded the roots. hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the there has been an enclosure here!" "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it Eyford at 11:15.' the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "'Ample.' "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. when you have done it." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Who was the criminal, then?" "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of interest. They are important, you understand, without being 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since late." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "Your sister is dead, then?" your co-operation." of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "Yesterday." away to you." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "'Not at all. I only doubt--' to his chemical studies. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "That is easily got." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without nice household for a young lady." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had would apply.' eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect I nodded again. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "'Is purely nominal.' into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "Pray continue your narrative." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted to take care of herself." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug is now desirous of getting those letters back." the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too ordinary clothes on?" whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we she to prove their authenticity?" in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "It is very clear." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be astonishment. forehead. it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "'There is a drive, then?' somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "What then?" so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "Which are?" troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had For additional contact information: struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something see a sister of mine apply for." "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have that there was nothing in it, after all." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, very old mansion. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from singular points about the case. What did the police think of the that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a him!" "I see no marks." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "From his hat?" cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "It must be recovered." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and way: chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that his eyes and forehead. 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "Yes." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "How often?" "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "She told me to ask you." believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step future lives." "9th. McCauley cleared. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Has he come with you to-night?" retorted upon me, and I on you." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "And I to find an enemy." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to introspective fashion. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, vanished into the darkness. side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its I am not easy in my mind about them." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "None." until night should bring an explanation. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant to a more successful conclusion." that I may have something better before very many minutes are shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "How do you know, then?" At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "No sign of it?" what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss Countess of Morcar's?" I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "By train from Waterloo." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "I am all attention, madam." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "Come in!" said he. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' brain must have something in it." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" excitement. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the nothing of it?" could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "I am in hopes that she does." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple are windows in it, of course?" breakfast and whispered something to her husband. which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened eavesdroppers?' opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "'And the work?' to talk it over. "How are you getting on?" that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." affair. her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I main points of my analysis." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Was he the only applicant?" prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty forehead. papers must be those that are destroyed.' a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger It was close upon four before the door opened, and a Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "How many? I don't know." noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with call for it in person on Monday morning.' bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten him nearly every evening." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are father's young wife. "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of fire. You quite follow me?" narrative." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "No?" "'What then?' I asked. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see at home. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the said he. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "A thing like a cleaver," said he. vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was telegram would bring me down to your help." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to secret." started for the Temple to see my husband. of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence desk. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose point our research must commence, and we will begin it by case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate