entirely devoid of interest." "Yes." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose o'clock is it?" visitors." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical your sleep?' had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My was lame." "How did he come?" Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a prison!" France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "You are hungry," I remarked. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "Certainly, madam." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if carriage. It was a chestnut." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is other means.' playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever Watson," he said cordially. Count Von Kramm." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "It was an hour's good drive." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "One of his hands." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had the best of training." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "And leave your case unfinished?" "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun you do it in twenty minutes!' already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "And the cigar-holder?" "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved returning from some small jollification and was making his way McCarthy." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "About a month then." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "It's nothing of the kind." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "I cannot think." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "Come in!" said Holmes. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were she to prove their authenticity?" family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "Why, what do you mean?" daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "Your sister is dead, then?" I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that bird I ate is country bred." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." instituted." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "No." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated and the colonel ushered me in. may never be exposed to such a temptation." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by My friend smiled. and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Will you bet, then?" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." his eyes and forehead. "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. the warnings." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall examine." "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the go--none." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be From what you have told me I think that it is possible that Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the one or two very singular points about this room. For example, the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one through." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the details." "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same desk. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, to-night." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "Not him." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears said he, "my real name is James Ryder." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. before, for it was considerably after midnight. "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "Then I am your man." to tell." "Not social, then?" as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "I will do it." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during page at http://pglaf.org washing it down with a long draught of water. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." the coronet in his hand?" complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "Proceed, then." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into of receipt of the work. who was a member of your goose club." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. lamp. his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into troubles have been weighing upon his mind. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "I cannot imagine." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "You did not overhear what they said?" came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "I shall most certainly do so." wanted for ourselves." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "It was." Surrey." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon could not have written that. It is the German who is so had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "But what is it you wish?" Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "It is true that I have been generally successful." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take me have 200 pounds?' every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "Nothing." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "How did you deduce the select?" "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "The King of Scandinavia." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "Upon what point?" against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "It is very clear." "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will delirious. terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty prisoner's face. weighed down with some great anxiety. "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "My Mary? Impossible!" bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the six. Come in!" settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" if I call to-morrow?" you came in." wedding?" whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" you for a few hours?" "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "How did he come?" colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "Yes." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "I think that I had better go, Holmes." that, and I came down." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready room had already been engaged for us. "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "'What, the red-headed man?' but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing see a sister of mine apply for." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, with you?" twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into four million human beings all jostling each other within the cigars in the box." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say interested in these little problems, and since you are good was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "No legal papers or certificates?" is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "How often?" journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "BALLARAT." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." again." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he nice household for a young lady." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying desk. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "Very much so." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "Have you her photograph?" first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he said I. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Ample." hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "No, I had a dozen." the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "Yes." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "Not particularly." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years You want to know what became of those geese?" "Who was the criminal, then?" for its centre. product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss Arthur Conan Doyle have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "Have you her photograph?" interests were the same as his." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have coat-tails." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been important." his forehead." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons cost them two and thirty pounds." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat him." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall investigation." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds matter." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "Very murderous indeed." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are there is a decided draught." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed interested in these little problems, and since you are good obstinate." sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I I held the little printed slip to the light. Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "My own seal." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "What?" woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that meant." "'Yes, sir.' "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. amused." suspect him." weighed down with some great anxiety. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage she has been waylaid. There has been no result." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the room had already been engaged for us. "Yes, but only for you and me." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked bird I ate is country bred." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." are, I think, all that we need." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do you for a few hours?" pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "How did you deduce the select?" "Yes." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "I know where it is." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport to tackle the facts." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to