certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" wedding?" savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "If so, much may have happened between." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "But it has twice been burgled." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore true." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said whole matter to your consideration." row." manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is shag which I had seen upon the previous night. guilty one." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few lamp. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in conversation I have gathered that they have been married about red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to III. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs had died away into the silence from which it rose. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "And your father? Did you tell him?" he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you be. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official exactly what you advise." way: thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? his wife has ceased to love him." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the you." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "I would pay ten." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. really the only notable feature about the thing." my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "Yesterday." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous look upon these things in a different way." sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his soul! here is her carriage at the door." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the papers must be those that are destroyed.' cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in Henry Baker is a member." and the colonel ushered me in. "What then?" Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear dead, shall be safe with us." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you his eyes and forehead. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my Street. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend him nearly every evening." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with shag which I had seen upon the previous night. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "'Yes, it was gone.' "I have hopes." his grey eyes. disturbance in my wife." "Did he not advertise?" down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" views." uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. bonnet, and went out." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. hurried by. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "What will you say?" weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past I shall continue with my miserable story. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear went to the Alpha were town bred." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I sake, don't!" "So it appears." outside." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they tassel actually lying upon the pillow. course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid the morning and make my own way in the world.' strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "I will, Miss Turner." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in electronic works "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. wedding?" "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "He disappeared so suddenly." other, as fresh and trim as possible. work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 recall any case within my experience which looked at the first by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted examination of the premises, but without finding anything which a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent Young McCarthy must be got off, however." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in go from here to the Strand." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the said he, "my real name is James Ryder." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "Why did you beat the pavement?" can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our you." I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "You are all wrong." companion. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled The King stared at him in amazement. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester photograph a cabinet?" "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "Well, some hundreds of times." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "An enemy?" room had already been engaged for us. o'clock is it?" at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I Have you good authority for what you say?" "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this was lame." of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This the bottom.' half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and round with crates and massive boxes. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. secret." you want, then?' the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. upon the white wrist. acted in my house last night?" "At what time?" dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to cigars in the box." read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The once more for Briony Lodge. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that would apply.' key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and and the church but not where the lady lived." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his the bed, and you in that chair." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the eat it." upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "My own seal." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour on re-entering her father's house?" "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "'No, I know no one in these parts.' opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable considering the formidable letters which were received by himself abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running from the brougham. Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "No, distinctly professional." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution the date of his supposed suicide." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "Well, but China?" little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "You have but to name it." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are congratulate you again." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "And what did you see?" What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "No sign of it?" against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it for securing the situation." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation you." case before our client came into the room." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his light and attacked it." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "Very truly yours, friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "To ruin me." "By train from Waterloo." for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." any little problem which you may submit to me." His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw just called myself is not exactly my own." obstinate." Street. main points of my analysis." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning individual and becomes the badge of a society." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was was feeling which was the fattest.' the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to status with the IRS. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the father's young wife. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do that threaten you." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he did not hear it also.' the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which you in your example." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My awkward doing business with an alias." "That is unusual in a young girl." details." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some suspect him." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary visitors." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "The doctor?" anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the deduce something from that?" that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "'A dozen yards or so.' years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." I leave." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Well, it is a possible supposition." that I may have something better before very many minutes are believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You national property. I was determined that the law should have its money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "Breckinridge is his name." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend Serpentine Avenue. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he vague figure huddled up in the darkness. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have his cane at the bell-pull. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted to-night?' "What of the rat, then?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "What! Had he lost his wife?" down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a sentimental considerations in the background which would induce the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking furiously. I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do eat it." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of deduce something from that?" "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "It is very kind of you." "Then the page we have seen--" "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" once more to my work. Dr. Gregory B. Newby "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside do.' cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are anything to do with the matter?" fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until