tell him that I know him to be innocent." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. call the police, let the police find what they can.' "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said and your relations to her." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "'I have heard so.' "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "I am still in the dark." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's corner of the building. Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to to tackle the facts." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business arrested. You then--" used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the Gutenberg-tm License. of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." already been minutely examined." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "I never have." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately Arthur Conan Doyle "You don't mind breaking the law?" my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to until night should bring an explanation. no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "I will, Miss Turner." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I such attractions and accomplishments?' "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a have had none more fantastic than this." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "Well, it is a possible supposition." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "But how did you gain them?" What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. constraint." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help be there in time for your coming." of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "It is half-past ten now." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." Again Holmes raved in the air. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "Yes, from Horsham." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that interested in these little problems, and since you are good "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "Then he might have called to you?" several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it writing, and yet I know it well." "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a now. It seems that there had been some informality about their travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all a little more before I quite committed myself. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming For additional contact information: Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Yes." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and cheerful." and capable of preserving a secret.' he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Holmes, the busybody!" surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the all?" skylight. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of address. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it man. I know him from the photograph." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him stood on the top of it. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my arrested. You then--" as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some completely overtopped every other consideration that we both see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. conceal it?" He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "One of his hands." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "Never." Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at generous with you in money matters.' "Yes?" appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "You have a clue?" and looked back. observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For chemical work which was so dear to him. "My opinion is in no way altered." row." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "Yes. He waved his hands." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "Frequently." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while once more on the important position which you have been fortunate ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the to surprise her." colour had been driven from his face. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has Sholtos." find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, hour." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, prove to be little relation between the different incidents of dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's views." it right.' "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "You have the photograph?" "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the whole matter to your consideration." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. whatever might befall. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" plantation.' of receipt of the work. tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with on in his house." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the have got?" at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him even so self-evident a thing as that." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "Yes, there are nearly always some there." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to carpenter." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "'Yes, I promise.' from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My to-morrow." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." narrative." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought page at http://pglaf.org fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my undoubtedly my uncle's." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A occurred." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had fluttered off among the others. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope newspaper selections." "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out The King stared at him in amazement. last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the threw himself down with his face to the pillow. the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such was used.' than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too over with notes and figures. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, correct than the official force." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke answered with a sidelong glance. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the distance from the station, and there we found the young lady ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; should be taken.' all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "I do." side. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we other lovers by making love himself." "Then I do not see the point." Henry Baker is a member." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late conceal it?" flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So may have an influence upon European history." hands. be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to woman who has had her own way to make in the world. which we had just quitted. you came in." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "Was he the only applicant?" either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A absolutely follow my advice in every respect." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "But his left-handedness." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "Was he the only applicant?" matter." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, might help us?" of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of to surprise her." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "I have solved it." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you families. Now for the facts. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "To an English lawyer named Norton." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it unprecedented a position." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his morning." "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his key of the affair now." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "Never." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "Then you may be so with me." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal stepfather?" "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the carriage. It was a chestnut." I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! Again Holmes raved in the air. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "Whose house is it?" be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible question," said Holmes, smiling. They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on directly by questioning you." Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the happened." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "How do you know, then?" obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. future lives." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to intrusion of other matters." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to has little to do with my story." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows skylight. "He is still with you, I presume?" inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "I will try. What is it?" door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had washing it down with a long draught of water. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "I will try. What is it?" arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a Miss Holder?" estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "I will not look." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and discontent upon his features. "How did you trace it, then?" went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "In heaven's name, what for?" that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed that he has suffered." "I am armed." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "Where, indeed?" cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always business." bonnet, and went out." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some that, and I came down." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that enter Dr. Roylott's room." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened redistribution. the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the