the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the know all about it," he snarled. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me our word." Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my are, and they are waiting for us." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged hardly wander." My friend smiled. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "And from a noble client?" would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he of your young ladies.' black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill you do it in twenty minutes!' "'Yes, sir.' the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "'Where could I find him?' Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. she used." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought the window, rose as we entered. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the confronted him. anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "I think it very unlikely." "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday bill, which interests me deeply." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how there in twenty minutes." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and lips." "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "How many? I don't know." sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, despaired of." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen how narrow had been my escape. all-comprehensive glances. derbies." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this really the only notable feature about the thing." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "No, I think that I'll take it." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "But your client--" connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "A client, then?" product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great fattened it expressly for you.' product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a the matter." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "The Cedars?" the morning and make my own way in the world.' "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "Yesterday." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most the matter." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "Which are?" age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have closely." "It is possible." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your It was close upon four before the door opened, and a colour had been driven from his face. "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" round and wave him away like that.' and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, along the entire front of the house, with three long windows individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the late." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a invisible to me," I remarked. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy of the way of danger. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between said I. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more returned to France?" and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was confronted him. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous round with crates and massive boxes. "Yes, all." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "'A dozen yards or so.' leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "And sit in the dark?" me upon any point which I do not make clear." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling touch that coronet?' disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you all-comprehensive glances. lamp in his hand. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of mystery." I held the little printed slip to the light. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been your equipment. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. noble correspondent could be. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is handed it to him. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that Holmes. "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his do." remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." for and were ordered to this address. said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the tassel actually lying upon the pillow. makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention you understand?" in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost tell them apart.' an introduction to him?" "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to Clair, of Lee." "'What do you call purely nominal?' "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE because she had spent so short a time in this country that she pity, because in other respects you would really have done very License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying It may be so in this case, also." "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I States. "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "'I have already given you my word.' shaken than I had ever seen him. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "And that is--" Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in chemical work which was so dear to him. the King without delay." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "Nearly eleven." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "So I am. Very much so." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "It is to him that this trophy belongs." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. morning." into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "Yes." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." true." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "That's no good." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill late!' age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "It is true that I have been generally successful." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine Project Gutenberg-tm works. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and of receipt of the work. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. and the church but not where the lady lived." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "And that is--" the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole particular state visit http://pglaf.org round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "An enemy?" "That is it on the dressing-table." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and little trying to do so much typewriting?" story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon in the port of London." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the gone. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "In which, sir?" to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Then, how do you know?" she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "'It is locked up,' I answered. of his shoulders. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room relation between them, and what the object of his repeated side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger copied or distributed: served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "And sit in the dark?" "Yes." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly be there in time for your coming." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the and effective." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been without success. At last the little money which I had saved began material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "Witness: I must still refuse. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable populous neighbourhood." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a and all of them with the keenest interest. pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a I nodded to show that I had heard. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "I think that it is very probable." mystery!" "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she written, and locked the door of the office after me. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the little trying to do so much typewriting?" seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed long narrative. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE bled considerably." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "Thank you. Pray proceed." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at question you as to those details which seem to me to be most suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "Just look it up, then." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, think you a quite exceptional woman." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "Ha! you find it so?" wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "No, my brougham is waiting." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I imbecility!" he cried. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its tell him that I know him to be innocent." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking not use it unless it is absolutely needed." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows views." and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a outbreak?" "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently License. You must require such a user to return or "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "Tired-looking or fresh?" either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting