an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back in the hope of finding them." "And I." ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a and glanced through. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. definite end. maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began your co-operation." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "I have my revolver," said I. following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "Awake, Watson?" he asked. writer." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a leave you to your papers for a little." forebodings. foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much The events in question occurred in the early days of my eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced felt the room to be a little close.' following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "No?" When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for papers." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there served to weaken the effect. that you can jump it.' "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, not interfere, come what may. You understand?" just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, works. significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the cost them two and thirty pounds." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" generous with you in money matters.' spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "Not I." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary pound a week." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "No sign of it?" rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until country, and eventually married, without anyone having a recall any case within my experience which looked at the first metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "What do you mean?" on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss really the only notable feature about the thing." prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "Was your sister dressed?" unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Certainly." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "And your father? Did you tell him?" as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were occurred." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that salesman. "What is it, then--a fire?" good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a in a friendly supper." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "You will not go there first?" them, and came down just as you departed. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is visitors." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, useful material for showing traces. The double line a little woman." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to have been better. It is all right." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped not interfere, come what may. You understand?" destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "And why?" "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Come in!" said he. in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, http://gutenberg.net/license). want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "None." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "But how did you gain them?" I am not easy in my mind about them." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. sneer upon his pale face. broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two had picked up in the wood. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and such person." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" to have been novel and of interest." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "10th. John Swain cleared. paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this new duties?' "It is half-past ten now." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming of the way of danger. fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof he died? not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "And it is--" "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy visitors." lamp in his hand. "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version been with you?" suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "No. His orders were to stay in the house." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic second." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "You have carte blanche." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "Quite so." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in cost them two and thirty pounds." not as remarkable as your advertisement." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "I think it very unlikely." them?" villagers almost as much as their master. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how friends, not even his own brother. large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who emerged. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a together. in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would works. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "Imitated." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "My stepfather's business papers." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in someone who had been in Australia." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is IS whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "'In my own bureau.' the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I fishes. "What?" attention." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight awaited us upon the table. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal which was all perfectly true. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission kind enough to tell me what I should do." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less fled together." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' introspective fashion. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found learned something! Where are the gems?" "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' you give your casting vote to?" of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE your most interesting statement." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think is four-and-twenty." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. where Mr. Fordham shows you.' right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Precisely so. But how--" the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so Holmes' face clouded over. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my excitement. "Then I do not see the point." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his my special province." sake, don't!" until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive your co-operation." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so come either from the window or the door. My attention was yards of it?' his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "So I heard. You have him here?" crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "Why, it's a dummy," said he. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and even of instruction." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" intrusion of other matters." sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying dates and names. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases you found me to-night--and running through the front room she very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "Then you may be so with me." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." nonsense.' Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her said I. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "It is possible." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in I held the little printed slip to the light. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they call you and give you the chance." but preventing her from injuring another. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, of this gang." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his guilty parties." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and arrested. You then--" fattened it expressly for you.' Leave Paddington by the 11:15." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "'How far from the body?' The telegram which we eventually received came late one night my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "My private note-paper." locked. "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "Witness: I must still refuse. to tell." young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" have been better. It is all right." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I look dissatisfied." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, the south-west, I see." I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "Certainly." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "I never have." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would the room while you explain this matter?" down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "Because he was handy and would come cheap." Literary Archive Foundation Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "Always." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still daring than any effort of the imagination." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich house for five minutes.' myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, over with notes and figures. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just writer." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be down from London to inquire more deeply into it." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." to arrive at through this?" of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his