at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each sentimental considerations in the background which would induce newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," him, that man would not have given me such complete information so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the to you." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "She told me to ask you." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary writing, and yet I know it well." and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "Nothing?" stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "She told me to ask you." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my some place of shelter and let the county police know what has quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid point in the dark hollow of his hand. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's one or two very singular points about this room. For example, discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. the morning and make my own way in the world.' them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your Heh?' "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough to where he stood hid behind the curtain. you came in." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle and I shall be with you presently." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was were unconscious?" The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior stammered. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, fashion which was peculiar to him. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "Why, it's a dummy," said he. mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "And when will you call?" sound at heart." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have eavesdroppers?' comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the prison!" "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "How did you deduce the select?" "Of what day?" "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you distinguish the words: whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking time." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the electronic works "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must experiences." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may woman." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." so.' "We were both in the photograph." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "Here?" smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "And on what day did he meet his death?" new duties?' who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "Yes." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "'And what salary do you ask?' had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "'Yes, sir.' difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington it. pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of whereabouts. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for It may be so in this case, also." "No more words. Get out!" devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard it with his own hands." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and 'please.'" "'Where could I find him?' deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "I shall most certainly do so." fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and been shamefully used." anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "Nothing." crime. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the now. It seems that there had been some informality about their ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you foot. and wait." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our noting anything else of interest. here." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high tail." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of thirty. did not hear it also.' who was a member of your goose club." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to newspaper selections." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. was shining brightly. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me strong reason behind." should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "No." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' make me his representative both with the servants and with the request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case hour?' opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined started for the Temple to see my husband. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "It must be recovered." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "Really! You surprise me." crime. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no The summons was a brief and urgent one. noting anything else of interest. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that she has been waylaid. There has been no result." I. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "And I." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "No, finished." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, without success. At last the little money which I had saved began wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "Perhaps I have." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "Nothing?" "We were both in the photograph." fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I conclusions. trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "Now, then, what's the last entry?" her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was there is a decided draught." "Was the window open?" penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and brought there to personate someone, and the real person is professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "You have the photograph?" very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." Holmes. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate particular state visit http://pglaf.org as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then photograph?" beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned details should find their way into the papers. Inspector rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In guilty parties." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "ARAT," I read. them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "'Yes, sir.' in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a one else, I think." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "On your arm?" through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, anything to a woman, for she would have her way." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds him and tried to hold him back. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he correct than the official force." formed some opinion?" I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "I promise," said Holmes. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the child?' sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "It is possible." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me noble correspondent could be. its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "And how?" "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some once more on the important position which you have been fortunate conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the strode off upon his way. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was signal between you and your father? The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. during that time.' "Then I can wait in the next room." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had about. "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "It is a murder, then?" him. great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came standing smiling on the door-step. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "Then I can wait in the next room." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "Why, what do you mean?" Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "'Then let me do so?' in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been ill-usage at the hands of fortune. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I suggested at once that there must be a communication between the gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation 1.E.9. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. call for it in person on Monday morning.' the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I confronted him. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed see me here to avoid scandal." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call definite end. "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "Ten will be early enough." The King stared at him in amazement. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself washing it down with a long draught of water. was shining brightly. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "Yes." "When did she vanish, then?" even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very