I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" main points of my analysis." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "You were travelling in the States?" shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through back alive. neither fascinating nor artistic." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step himself to tell his story. Miss Holder?" "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "But how could you guess what the motive was?" afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "Not particularly." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes before the coroner and the police-court." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on hard-headed British jury." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "To an end?" stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "'Entirely.' human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "9th. McCauley cleared. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, becomes even more simple." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "How do you know, then?" along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "I see many objections to any such theory." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "Yes, there are nearly always some there." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to again." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "I am following you closely," I answered. "A confidential servant?" she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a go from here to the Strand." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project the warnings." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut round with crates and massive boxes. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." that I am arrested." call it cruel." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "One of the highest in England." "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into address. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back miles off. "And when will you call?" ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I instincts rose up against that laugh. touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which lamp. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an have established a very serious case against the son of the my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "'Entirely.' headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is entirely devoid of interest." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may handed it to him. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a me what he had done with the three missing stones. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your any little problem which you may submit to me." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had fait accompli?" to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "Well, but China?" tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "Your sister is dead, then?" and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was and the church but not where the lady lived." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "I think it very unlikely." "And I say east," said my patient. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "And on what day did he meet his death?" every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss point in the dark hollow of his hand. see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "It was." had picked up in the wood. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "And how did you verify them?" pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are not personally threatened." safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Do you receive much company?" he asked. o'clock is it?" knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a get the tickets." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest do.' that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was look dissatisfied." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella kindly on the shoulder. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" Farm upon the left." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, questionable one." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it bare slabs of marble. "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, galvanised. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "It is solved." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "I cannot imagine." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the was used.' upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in too. "No, finished." row." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the a little more before I quite committed myself. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill the loss of it. house for five minutes.' after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I and no precautions can guard against." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their Literary Archive Foundation Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary you found me to-night--and running through the front room she Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my you in your example." your room." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may over with notes and figures. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "How many? I don't know." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in golden eyeglasses. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon papers on the sundial.'" would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "Absolutely?" some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "How on earth--" elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It for and were ordered to this address. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." guilty one." "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we as he remarks, very much against the son." conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of fat-encircled eyes. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to highroad, where all traces were lost. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old feature." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" lips." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel relief. knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are the ceiling. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the at my own good fortune. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. observed. Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, with her." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." of the one which your family is now devouring." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "It is his hat." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, to miss it." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the made his money." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of lamp. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. that you wished to speak to me?' profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with in this note: in the hope of finding them." "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "It is a murder, then?" "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something acted in my house last night?" "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and several quiet little villages up there." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is matters immensely." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "No." have not had my rubber." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his little adventures." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I in this note: "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "And on what day did he meet his death?" parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from himself to tell his story. husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the must compliment you." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "But you were on a friendly footing?" "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "Yes." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "'Certainly,' I answered. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send possible that we could bring him back to her? and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It see a sister of mine apply for." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to the child." "That is easily got." Doctor, of the paper and the date." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we locked." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely which I could not give. He asked for Alice. that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several appeal." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend really the only notable feature about the thing." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on I nodded again. jewels which you have stolen?' word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" in his hands." of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "Quite so." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "Yesterday." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I certainly do as you advise." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "Very well, sir. And this stone?" the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." pound a week." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted written. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at Mary, has deserted me." "I say it is." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar least a most suspicious remark." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, handed it to him. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "No, I had a dozen." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of Mrs. Toller serenely. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out said Mr. Holder. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "But I am all in the dark." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," their singular warning or token before them when starting upon however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet to Leatherhead. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than the driver. back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the bearing upon the case." whereabouts. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible go back?" burst into a hearty fit of laughter.