sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric derbies." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Have you her photograph?" chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' one else, I think." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP sparkled upon his finger. "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as as this. Pray let me have the details." noble correspondent could be. slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I any little problem which you may submit to me." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was likely to be some crony of the landlady's." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been soul! here is her carriage at the door." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which wedding?" Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "If so, much may have happened between." its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "The doctor?" foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for not fit the lock." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and have not had my rubber." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much this Miss Turner." "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel business?" noise which awoke you from your sleep?" be. secret." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "I will get her to show me." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew not fit the lock." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote have I gained?" certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "It was an hour's good drive." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "Then the page we have seen--" "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "It's nothing of the kind." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been good-night and bustled off upon her way. "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and in. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. will take you up to see the machine.' "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "'I have heard so.' "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "But what harm can there be in that?" became a certainty. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it made his money." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes the nursery. side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "You horrify me." "What then?" assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "But what will you do?" "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." bachelor.' once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "The Cedars?" friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend entirely lost his self-respect." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "None." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "You are all wrong." fait accompli?" electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "You did not overhear what they said?" had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I residence of the great financier. same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has should be so warm over such a trifle." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me this unhappy family?" "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" Arthur Conan Doyle "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "No." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "And sit in the dark?" "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "And why?" into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "Yes, certainly." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Entirely." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. notes," he said. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "So I am. Very much so." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, room. clanging. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon What do you deduce from it?" a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "It is possible." trying to your nerves." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. is four-and-twenty." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally wedding?" again, where I was soon asleep. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He call the police, let the police find what they can.' to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense strength of mind to control. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are have not had my rubber." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was father's place of business?" and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they client, rising. less than 26s. 4d. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for girl said." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband carriage. It was a chestnut." his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was quite distinctive." "Did you observe the colour?" you?' It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. there." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "Yes, but only for you and me." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty own family. be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "No more words. Get out!" though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an she used." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the formed some opinion?" "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." coat-tails." sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "When did it break out?" ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. DAMAGE. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "I am sure." by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they must compliment you." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the heavy and sharp instrument." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first house for five minutes.' the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and grasp, he hurried from the room. more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. society." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly acquaintance?" shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly distance from the station, and there we found the young lady sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the that I can to serve you." remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is bore every mark of being an average commonplace British written, and locked the door of the office after me. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "My private note-paper." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you The King stared at him in amazement. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was passage and a tap at the door. "That's no good." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "What are they?" prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." Cross for the Continent." you do it in twenty minutes!' thought that she would have been so carried away." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "I will not look." This is what he says: suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most made his money." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." outside. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and London for the present?" I am not easy in my mind about them." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the chance at all." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since meant it for the best. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I strength in the others." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that and a shock of very red hair. separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to weapon." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "My photograph." We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman questioning and rather startled gaze. and looked back. him to go away.' was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "And that is--" back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we on re-entering her father's house?" so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" a very grave face. from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "But the mystery?" shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in than was visible to me." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," danger is over." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "What is it?" residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a trifles." Heh?' gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me in. suspect him." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." as the one I chose?' to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love disappearance of these gems?" middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about The telegram which we eventually received came late one night may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." companion imperturbably. "Proceed, then." "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence stammered. "I will, Miss Turner." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "I think that I had better go, Holmes." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you more terrible than the truth. the room while you explain this matter?" "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a go--none." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "How often?" a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "And leave your case unfinished?" and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is remarked. if I call to-morrow?" On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" gone before you can get him to hospital." whether it answered to the description of any of their he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible for securing the situation." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached and laid it on the table. unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "You horrify me!" in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." emerged. 'please.'" were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his despair." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Pray do so." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The trying to your nerves." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to I. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a returning from some small jollification and was making his way acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to