"You think so, too?" law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "Yes." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "That also I could fathom." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, to have that photograph." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Not in a good cause." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the to arrive at through this?" later, upon the night of May 2nd." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "How are you getting on?" The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he for the market.' excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was served to weaken the effect. cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "Well?" fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may in the dead of the night?' to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common might have a private word with us. the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "My Mary? Impossible!" stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, know what is wrong with it.' "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "'Why that?' I asks. galvanised. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical there was no need for father to know." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "We must have a cab." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "Not yet." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the used to be." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch which are rolled in Rotterdam." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY peculiar to him. We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way meant it for the best. before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "None." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of that there was nothing in it, after all." who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain with the outside air!" hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "Dark enough and sinister enough." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, http://gutenberg.net/license). and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the in his hands." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is sound at heart." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a hand, madam?" have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She sound at heart." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "My dear Holmes!" Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do suggested at once that there must be a communication between the going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the it with his own hands." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long key of the affair now." British peeress.'" of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "It was an hour's good drive." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I Sholtos." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming conversation I have gathered that they have been married about memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed your own bird, so if you wish--" from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how had died away into the silence from which it rose. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "But how will you look?" murdered man." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the there has been an enclosure here!" in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it crime. by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than problems help me to do so." "What then?" low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my been anything against him. He had for years been known as a in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Then, how do you know?" electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could waste of energy." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself room?" "It's nothing of the kind." James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a locked. To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free enough to aid us in our search." "Certainly." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and always that they were such commands as a lady might with have been better. It is all right." this unhappy family?" girl said." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "It is to him that this trophy belongs." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and empty. easy-going way." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "A call for help, you thought?" "It surprised me." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' experiences." stammered. "I promise," said Holmes. your Highness to the police-station?" for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a past. it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must right! Sit down and let us talk it over." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "It may not come to that," said Holmes. and a shock of very red hair. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at answered with a sidelong glance. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the if only as a check to my own memory." "Ah!" possible that we could bring him back to her? "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call writing, and yet I know it well." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into depend upon my doing so.' those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The which was all perfectly true. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable matter." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with you, my dear young lady?' his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called a room. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on take the flies, but not before." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off from the brougham. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "I don't believe it." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't me." "But his left-handedness." III. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my of the way of danger. that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his your troubles." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "Oh, fresh and glossy." word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "Yes, it was twisted." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds felt the room to be a little close.' hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was annoyance, but no jest. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "What!" he roared. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in the bottom.' "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. promised to bring home. back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Ha! you find it so?" pity, because in other respects you would really have done very name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "Perhaps we may make them less so." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and said he. "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "It is to him that this trophy belongs." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "Yes, sir." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any It may be so in this case, also." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced who was a member of your goose club." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at derbies." Miss Holder?" villagers almost as much as their master. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of it." "You don't mind breaking the law?" "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down ceremony." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The events than those which have happened in my own family." long narrative. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a entirely devoid of interest." "I am in hopes that she does." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the married her." destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and second." his wife has ceased to love him." "That sounds a little paradoxical." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "And you can do nothing until then?" stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their desk. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in a very grave face. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" the bottom.' warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I comes from the middle window." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a gigantic client. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it one of them." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been His name is Francis Prosper." "You think that he is dead?" which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End very old mansion. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "You have compromised yourself seriously." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the and effective." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "'Where could I find him?' way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "I should like to see him very much." "But what harm can there be in that?" I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, chambers. closely." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "Why serious?" 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "But of what society?" more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "Then you may entirely rely on me." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it obstinate." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of figure." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "There are none." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Pray do so." go--none." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens the coronet in his hand?" either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to she slowly sank and died without having recovered her me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so