"And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we up this clue while it is still hot." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. events, Mr. Windibank!" "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to be.' "What office?" George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "No, distinctly professional." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "It was a confession," I ejaculated. low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "It surprised me." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his discontent upon his features. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank to tell." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get see me here to avoid scandal." Watson," he said cordially. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "My opinion is in no way altered." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would Watson," he said cordially. "Why, it's a dummy," said he. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "That is possible." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "But your client--" wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between true." call for it in person on Monday morning.' the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "But the mystery?" uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that seven miles from Eyford Station.' his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the whole matter to your consideration." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no silent! Oh, he will be silent!' there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "Was the window open?" Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "About a month then." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons Clair, of Lee." used to be." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "'How far from the body?' We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the fishes. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce business in the City. She little knew what. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of will he say when he returns?" could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece enter into my head. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "I am armed." in a friendly supper." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "'In my own bureau.' Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work bears upon the case?" wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "Yes, all." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, of the efforts of the United States government and of the better Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong wedding?" a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows hardly wander." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. direction." promised to bring home. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was forebodings. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. again, where I was soon asleep. keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there questionable one." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. appeal." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry have not had my rubber." off." shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried dramatic, in fact." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "But the mystery?" there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with certainly not very gracious." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear just called myself is not exactly my own." Project Gutenberg-tm works. "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in congratulate you again." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot not within a twentieth part of the market price." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as prepare for the new role I have to play." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "A confidential servant?" face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "They are typewritten," I remarked. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward never to learn it at all." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and Watson," he said cordially. then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to It may be so in this case, also." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' one which it was hard to resist. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." do." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered tightly behind him. when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but dramatic, in fact." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for bare slabs of marble. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "You heard nothing yourself last night?" whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "Your French gold?" "Then what has happened to him?" never came back." the King without delay." matter over." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so there is a decided draught." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they manager. charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of is worth.' having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "The Coroner: What do you mean? same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "Did you observe the colour?" "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon for securing the situation." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them weighed down with some great anxiety. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "I have solved it." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" acted in my house last night?" eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "Absolutely?" "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "She will not sell." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. answer." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." absorbing." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried child?' from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had individual and becomes the badge of a society." "Yes?" "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. you give your casting vote to?" been able to understand it, in a very few words. once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "Your sister is dead, then?" coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have the nursery. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it to Leatherhead. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had what is your own theory as to what took place?" bird of prey. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she your own bird, so if you wish--" that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "Where is it, then?" down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, of your young ladies.' "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, are, I think, all that we need." smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "No sign of it?" but preventing her from injuring another. "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat in his hands." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I certainly not very gracious." pictures, libraries, or plate. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's hair?' whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made closing the door. before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. returning from some small jollification and was making his way Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, not personally threatened." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my room. fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and even so self-evident a thing as that." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one head. So long, then!" "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have tear off another piece?' man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "Yes." If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "Well." mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which for its centre. "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, pound a week." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and it." read it out to me." the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if would apply.' Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as attention." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon one which it was hard to resist. other, as fresh and trim as possible. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." placed his cuttings. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing there!' is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "'You doubt its value?' he asked. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into bore every mark of being an average commonplace British pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "But of what society?" the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "Yes." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She Lee, in the county of Kent." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "None." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us crime. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others any." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know crime. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "I know where it is." "And how in the world did you find them?" thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual upon a handsome competence. of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Yes, sir." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in even of instruction." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "But how?" in this note: "What, then?" have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "Entirely." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at investigation." Clair, of Lee." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune ran thus: door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "Certainly." "Come in!" said he. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "I would give my fortune to have them back." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, McCarthy." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, feature." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "And from a noble client?" (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "My photograph." to-night's adventure." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little of his shoulders. was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was both be extremely obliged.' The note was undated, and without either signature or address. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which shall use the carriage to-night." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your showing my impatience. kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would