companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite this unhappy family?" opportunities to fix the problem. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "'Yes.' I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of open." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "I have seen the police." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "It is solved." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." there is a decided draught." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize meant." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was Edgeware Road. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at conversation I have gathered that they have been married about a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "To an end?" tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a business." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." mysterious end." in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a the King without delay." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that very peculiar words of the dying woman?" horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and happened." examine." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "'I have heard so.' air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to tapping his fingers upon the table. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "10th. John Swain cleared. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we your own bird, so if you wish--" the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall James Windibank. Voilà tout!" Street. Pope's Court. "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "'No, I know no one in these parts.' took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a upon an income of about 60 pounds." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul over here." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "Come in!" said Holmes. "Why, what do you mean?" written, and locked the door of the office after me. note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Could he throw no light?" 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with direction." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the feature." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to system of imprisonment?" offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. the little opening for the ventilator is." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he made him keep the appointment." here and I will read it to you: were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. affair. is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "Can I be of assistance?" heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, and files of the old papers, following the future career of every destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "It certainly sounds feasible." and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it the Friday. Was it to be in church?" that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "No, distinctly professional." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic him nearly every evening." the window, rose as we entered. remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my knowledge of the world." day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker upon an income of about 60 pounds." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train strange features which were associated with the two crimes which what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that could not account in any way for the presence of the missing journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then will take you up to see the machine.' you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. you?" impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a than to us. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. delirious. "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "And that is--" have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to there has been an enclosure here!" "I cannot say that I have." instituted." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from security.' "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "You have it, sir, just as it happened." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker yourselves in at night?" the so-precious time, but come!' never came back." so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that 11:15.' suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with assist you in forming an opinion." saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has of the vacancies.' nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of at home. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So future lives." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "I say that I have solved it." as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his himself to hunt down. had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned public press." the matter?" signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I do you make of it all?" about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, the roots. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "I am still in the dark." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City bore every mark of being an average commonplace British foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and *** START: FULL LICENSE *** forbidden door. key of the affair now." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "Yes." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "I have seen the police." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid tell me that you intended to go into harness." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and Farm upon the left." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "Then the page we have seen--" electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "And now?" He raised his hand. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the fat-encircled eyes. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a of note-paper. It read in this fashion: and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban Pope's Court, Fleet Street." and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic look upon these things in a different way." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "Where, then, is my wife?" his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just placed his cuttings. "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have confronted him. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she and glanced through. beyond words. standing smiling on the door-step. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on matters immensely." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "Very. But will he see it?" come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I system of imprisonment?" where she found matters as described by the last witness. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the was feeling which was the fattest.' male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely tell them apart.' "And now?" He raised his hand. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was look dissatisfied." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "Who by?" promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his cause to be." to affect your life." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "What will you say?" nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm should be taken.' "But how will you look?" How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin you, my dear young lady?' accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to this remarkable episode. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they intrusion of other matters." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "I was sure that I might rely on you." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his been able to understand it, in a very few words. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far stammered. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he them, and came down just as you departed. said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that any little problem which you may submit to me." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." go back?" "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's key turn in the lock." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "Thank you. Pray proceed." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "We must have a cab." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into to take care of herself." which are rolled in Rotterdam." to-night?' heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not character. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "What! a murderous attack?" these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "You'll never persuade me to believe that." from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "May I see it?" knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed thought that she would have been so carried away." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "She walked into the breakfast-room." hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "And you can do nothing until then?" Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been of." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, emerged. coroner's jury." informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" it right.' rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner I leave." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could golden eyeglasses. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "9th. McCauley cleared. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, way in everything. McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the kindly on the shoulder. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he I have it here in my museum." planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There charged with?" introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep examination of the premises, but without finding anything which and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "I am to be neutral?" reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil business at Coburg Square is serious." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "Not particularly." nothing with him." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So eat it." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned events than those which have happened in my own family." has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two excitement. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of of his shoulders. "How on earth--" "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent.