England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town maid will bring up your coffee." "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, eat it." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "If I can be of use." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, important." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "It was an hour's good drive." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "Will you go?" companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "He slept on the premises." "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off meanly of me." "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to children over to America with him, so that I found myself without wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by lamp in his hand. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms which our visitor detailed to us. Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, of his shoulders. come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in thin, with a long, sharp nose?" said I. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home be. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. you in your example." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "My dear Holmes!" the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through humiliation." friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "Why, what do you mean?" "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, some water from a caraffe. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "9th. McCauley cleared. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the will find little credit to be gained out of this case." footfalls from the street. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of fuss that is made over them." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done the night.' I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "No, finished." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events straightened it out again. can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself copied or distributed: strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "No, finished." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "Then what has happened to him?" recover the gem." down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they and it need not interfere very much with one's other "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "'I shall certainly be there.' of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young was a perfect sample of the class. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a of them has the shutters up.' as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though not within a twentieth part of the market price." sound at heart." bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or too. workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me strength of mind to control. down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "Her father is very rich?" conceal it?" such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the you." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of forehead. shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from business came to an end." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some when you have done it." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told DAMAGE. "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in Count Von Kramm." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "I do." "Yes, certainly." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, threw himself down with his face to the pillow. and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the at home. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "Not in a good cause." somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "You have the photograph?" the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight subject to the trademark license, especially commercial and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it Watson," he said cordially. come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance that?' "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "When did she vanish, then?" without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The and put his glass in his pocket. mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "No." look upon these things in a different way." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the to go into your room and bar your shutters?" laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "Yes. He waved his hands." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her hour?' should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man nice household for a young lady." outsides of the windows. squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "I would give my fortune to have them back." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob not, dad?" she asked. "What then?" American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check know all about it," he snarled. some mystery and the punishment of some crime." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, sentimental considerations in the background which would induce is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her Holmes' room. returning from some small jollification and was making his way simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "I cannot imagine." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and dates and names. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "Yes." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch sentimental considerations in the background which would induce instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "I am armed." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The important." society." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "I am about to be married." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless strength in the others." have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true father's young wife. had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to him, that man would not have given me such complete information evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "He slept on the premises." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "By all means." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the house for five minutes.' "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to other lovers by making love himself." Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a fatally injured? events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Why, what do you mean?" wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "I was sure that I might rely on you." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the hurried by. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the the King without delay." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat will take you up to see the machine.' by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they hurried by. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "But you would not advise me to refuse?" precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my anything to a woman, for she would have her way." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the business at Coburg Square is serious." so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to Dr. Gregory B. Newby it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter me." weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "Yes, he did." in the dead of the night?' ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "There is the writing." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "Bought." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "Precisely so. But how--" you want, then?' the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who little trying to do so much typewriting?" been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship public press." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "Perhaps I have." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "Holmes, the busybody!" wall." reach." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at Project Gutenberg-tm works. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor October 9, 1890. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to works. See paragraph 1.E below. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Will you go?" resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the weapon." me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there interested in these little problems, and since you are good down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on ashen face. you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in together. persecution?" 'please.'" stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." mysterious business." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "Have you it here?" and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he anything to a woman, for she would have her way." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide been lifted and conveyed somewhere." who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Not social, then?" walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There occurred." the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we and wait." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from murdered man." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, During two years I have had three consultations and one small "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be morning." gone. had a long day." my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round cigars in their mouths. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the