thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If better grown goose." coroner's jury." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his you came in." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the present strange and interesting features that it is no easy you for a few hours?" "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. Count Von Kramm." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "No bad?" plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a with you?" remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "One?" "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the Mary, has deserted me." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "Very truly yours, an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of me. You must get home instantly and act." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest the general public were present, then?" I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." the south-west, I see." at my remark. had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not the room while you explain this matter?" and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we made him keep the appointment." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who villagers almost as much as their master. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "Quite so." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion wedding?" "Thank you. Pray proceed." "How did you deduce the select?" the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the the inner apartment." "But to whom?" "I saw her in conversation with her maid." been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. overpowering excitement and concern. upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock would then never go into court at all." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some is worth.' follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This the driver. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time there was no need for father to know." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "Bought." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "You'll never persuade me to believe that." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "'As governess?' character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH his fortune, and I went back to pa. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how papers diligently of late, have you not?" "'What, the red-headed man?' answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "'Where could I find him?' roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "Yes." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Yes, I have one waiting." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than cup of tea. too. better in every way that they should make their position a little running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. mystery!" considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "What, then, did Peterson do?" which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a you came in." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how to take care of herself." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my noble correspondent could be. "Certainly." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "'Very good.' There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one cigars in their mouths. case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a was not a bird to be seen there. "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly outside. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped in the dead of the night?' "Yes, that is the Crown." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its within hail.' you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "'You cannot say what it was?' clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "'Ample.' sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was was used.' heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not straighten it?" clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and it with his own hands." given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he had died away into the silence from which it rose. of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the charged with?" which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. footfalls from the street. the bottom.' secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that mystery." covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other to a light-house. brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change you." "Yes." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "'Quite sure, dad.' dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's wedding?" "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was indeed which he could not unravel. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector not interfere, come what may. You understand?" greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "Do you receive much company?" he asked. the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But touch that coronet?' Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six The telegram which we eventually received came late one night Henry Baker is a member." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug than to us. zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "Deserted you?" round and wave him away like that.' explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "My photograph." do.' Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "A confidential servant?" "Yes." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." Holmes' thin, eager face. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "It is half-past ten now." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made in the hope of finding them." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an as this. Pray let me have the details." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was remarked. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "It was an hour's good drive." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" ashen face. he bowed and left the room without another word. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "It surprised me." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but with you alone." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk at my own good fortune. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper thought that she would have been so carried away." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little will he say when he returns?" Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too once more. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting touch that coronet?' There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the indiscretion." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin you give your casting vote to?" with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "No sign of it?" though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "And why?" "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes Holmes." "Did you become engaged then?" be.' "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's putting in the horse. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes past. "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "The knees of his trousers." have one." secret." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of posted to-day." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. appeared upon the scene." Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss knowledge of the world." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "'Certainly not.' and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been Where does the thing come from?' magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "But I have heard all that you have heard." was shining brightly. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "I am armed." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "And leave your case unfinished?" when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but I nodded to show that I had heard. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under our word." Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save but preventing her from injuring another. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City orange pips. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a hardly wander." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." fait accompli?" "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "Ah!" giving me time to thank him. within hail.' the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on undoubtedly my uncle's." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "That is it on the dressing-table." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "What will you do, then?" will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "It missed him, then?" paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" to change my dress. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was