much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the at a side door. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no nights." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is read it out to me." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" call the police, let the police find what they can.' "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though whatever might befall. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, pictures, libraries, or plate. Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "No bad?" contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "'And the work?' into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Not particularly." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with unclasping of his long thin hands. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "But I have heard all that you have heard." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is and looked back. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save forebodings. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No giving me time to thank him. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises tassel actually lying upon the pillow. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid comes from the middle window." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her opened a pocket-book and took out a note. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed from you?" "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "Very well, sir. And this stone?" began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too nice household for a young lady." north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not brain must have something in it." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as reach." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "Where, then, is my wife?" Lestrade of Scotland Yard." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my said I. pound a week." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him it." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal your equipment. season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have prison!" Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' showing my impatience. paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "Very murderous indeed." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew maiden herself was most instructive." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt chance at all." table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of straightened it out again. clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "Yes." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "How can you tell that?" form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Who by?" sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "I came to find a friend." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "What of the rat, then?" Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." fishes. "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a fluttered off among the others. is entirely a question of barometric pressure." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his matter." "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "'No, I know no one in these parts.' shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this the matter." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "It is no ordinary one." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of McCarthy's innocence. "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said that he has suffered." even so self-evident a thing as that." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards and no precautions can guard against." To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "And for present expenses?" your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. the bed, and you in that chair." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "It looks newer than the other things?" "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I dear old homesteads?" head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "Then what has happened to him?" "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "I am in hopes that she does." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. I held the little printed slip to the light. butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last night.' said he. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to sound at heart." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a know that the truth is known." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' and I shall be with you presently." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "It is true that I have been generally successful." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "And from a noble client?" unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the one of the states of the Union." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, fasten all the windows?" "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the business in the City. She little knew what. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your village inn over there?" colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the excitement. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "The vanishing of the lady." "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the with frightened eyes at his accuser. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "A greater distance to travel." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "We must have a cab." with frightened eyes at his accuser. bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy already been minutely examined." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old carried out of court." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I shaken than I had ever seen him. floor. "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to advice." the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "How can you tell that?" They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck which our visitor detailed to us. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from upon the sideboard." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "That is unusual in a young girl." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second how narrow had been my escape. "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "But his lameness?" to go into your room and bar your shutters?" had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he arrested. You then--" fattened it expressly for you.' along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "Nearly eleven." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far secret." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" matters immensely." politicians who had been sent down from the North. "Quite so. She has her freedom." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet at my own good fortune. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a and wait." request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I what I may call a really hard day's work." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in the morning and make my own way in the world.' of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it the very morning of the wedding." south, for the country is more deserted there." into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he congratulate you again." "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, my friend's incisive reasoning. the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "Yes." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found definite end. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "This concluded the examination of the witness." persecution?" petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "I am following you closely," I answered. that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a is," said he presently: fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at tear off another piece?' half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but undoubtedly my uncle's." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and cup of tea. about here speaks of his kindness to him." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "The King of Scandinavia." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "Then I am your man." ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP so.' enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them interest. They are important, you understand, without being way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for my secret was safe in his possession. are, I think, all that we need." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to ago." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable that there was nothing in it, after all." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes