nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down said I. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. as the one I chose?' exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he used to be." "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "'What would be the hours?' I asked. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "By train from Waterloo." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Yes, I have one waiting." the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "But his left-handedness." beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "I am following you closely," I answered. "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I next day. "The Cedars?" foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But what do you think they found in the pockets?" "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "I say that I have solved it." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "Yes." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room the bed, and you in that chair." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the families. Now for the facts. behind me. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A awkward doing business with an alias." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the and put his glass in his pocket. "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw papers." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "'Which dealer's?' "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, an introduction to him?" in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "It was an hour's good drive." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "What will you say?" "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "What, then, did Peterson do?" word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "Then you may be so with me." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "I am still in the dark." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an nights." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were the date of his supposed suicide." her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they placed his cuttings. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice conceal it?" "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "Then the page we have seen--" "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had only touch the interest." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as appeared upon the scene." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question weighed down with some great anxiety. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have Sutherland. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "Yes. He waved his hands." were unconscious?" "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to ran thus: very old mansion. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry roused himself from his reverie. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "Never." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the recover the gem." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was brought there to personate someone, and the real person is breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I then?" which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had weighed down with some great anxiety. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you Literary Archive Foundation hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "I answered that I had not. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "And how did you find out?" acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain followed. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and dead, shall be safe with us." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual trifles." ran thus: and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as Dr. Gregory B. Newby how narrow had been my escape. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and door?" seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from points in connection with it which never have been, and probably as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" the nursery. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "The decline of his fortunes, then?" myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "10th. John Swain cleared. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the four million human beings all jostling each other within the time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he again." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "To the police?" that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "'Ten to two.' whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "Nothing." as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just gone. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' there were one or two details which were new to me. But the analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than enough to aid us in our search." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "Is he quiet?" uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "'Ten to two.' closely." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of existence." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss certainly do as you advise." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he tassel actually lying upon the pillow. may have an influence upon European history." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me persecution?" again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes spare." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and drove away. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "No, but the enclosure is." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt an introduction to him?" "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an as this. Pray let me have the details." late." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "What, then?" fishes. at home. "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the have got?" 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "But you can know nothing of this?" "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you and the whole place is in a blaze." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, sit on the left-hand side of the driver." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "Yes." pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she and shall probably return to London by the evening train." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always get the tickets." foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. strength of mind to control. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out to you." the coronet in his hand?" warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious compunction about shooting them down." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had his knees, staring into the fire. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very persecution?" "And when will you call?" surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been knowledge of the world." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged written. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of my special province." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "Look there!" said he. think you a quite exceptional woman." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's could gather together that I was able to avert another public "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the unclasping of his long thin hands. he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it in darkness. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of letters?" "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the even so self-evident a thing as that." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he might have a private word with us. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at putting in the horse. "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK to Leatherhead. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "Pray be precise as to details," said he. most interesting one." one else, I think." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and at my own good fortune. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' to a more successful conclusion." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "'Very good.' of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, to take care of herself." "I cannot tell." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional retorted upon me, and I on you." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "And now?" He raised his hand. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "No. His orders were to stay in the house." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to records." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had criminal. We have already had experience of such." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its the Red-headed League." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this or in danger--" wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. obstinate." presented more singular features than that which was associated the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend disturbance in my wife." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "No, but the enclosure is." "Pray continue your narrative." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I the general public were present, then?" possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I was a lad." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her populous neighbourhood." Dr. Gregory B. Newby I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "What is it?" near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "How about poison?" peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "'Not at all. I only doubt--' his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, right! Sit down and let us talk it over." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your your sleep?' green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly way in everything. will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on empty. "What can it mean?" I gasped. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." your only hope of safety." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward