giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich seven miles from Eyford Station.' self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible directors, with the result that you have seen." plantation.' everything which you would wish to know." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "'Never.' the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is undoubtedly my uncle's." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which certainly not very gracious." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "'Tell me all about it,' said I. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the acquaintance?" speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "'Stolen!' he cried. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an will not take me long to tell. too. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered the one as in the other." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "'What then?' I asked. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "Why, it's a dummy," said he. case before our client came into the room." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. easy-going way." although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town the general public were present, then?" "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "And why in hopes?" There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the once more for Briony Lodge. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw Count Von Kramm." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my particular state visit http://pglaf.org International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is papers diligently of late, have you not?" this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I started for the Temple to see my husband. "Yes." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "On Monday." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "I shall most certainly do so." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "And is that all?" It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple for its centre. "Bought." for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. voice. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "And your father? Did you tell him?" secret." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom all?" DAMAGE. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "Absolutely none." the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "What can you not understand?" should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson as the one I chose?' could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "Thank you. Pray proceed." certainly not very gracious." face and glided from the room. the best of training." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own not come at once?" them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed touch that coronet?' "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls Have you good authority for what you say?" "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be DAMAGE. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "I don't believe it." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. of the one which your family is now devouring." be. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "It is possible." upon a handsome competence. do.' round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of seen the man in the road." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other feature." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "My Mary? Impossible!" the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and singular points about the case. What did the police think of the heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see than to us. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture made him keep the appointment." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "And now?" He raised his hand. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The Stoke Moran." we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "Yes, sir." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" used to be." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood cheerful." house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the the King without delay." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign you in yours." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' call it cruel." and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step ventilator." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one point in the dark hollow of his hand. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with records." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "Come in!" said Holmes. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of locked." something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do wedding?" "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "I will, Miss Turner." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "Indeed! Whose, then?" will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. grasp, he hurried from the room. "To ruin me." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just unclasping of his long thin hands. "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "Indeed! Whose, then?" "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "But you can know nothing of this?" either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for approach us with offers to donate. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the see me here to avoid scandal." stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "Imitated." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' begin with, and I had not got mine yet." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a easy-going way." interest. They are important, you understand, without being I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off works. The telegram which we eventually received came late one night probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' are, and they are waiting for us." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "What I expected to see." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, husband's writing, madam." "She walked into the breakfast-room." "'Yes, sir.' it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her page at http://pglaf.org gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' http://gutenberg.net/license). He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "Yes, I have one waiting." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the locked. correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I strength in the others." he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "To an end?" up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to of Fenchurch Street." could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "You know me, then?" interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, pierced for earrings?" It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "It missed him, then?" "But you can know nothing of this?" more terrible than the truth. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be with the outside air!" through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." people don't know." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "Was there a secret marriage?" advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "How long did she speak to this Alice?" reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside strode off upon his way. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "My Mary? Impossible!" "What can you not understand?" girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever I nodded again. Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own to that open window." the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect again before evening." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his during the last few years, and there are many noble families to the roots. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door late!' fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with I have it here in my museum." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a then?" "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. to talk it over. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and brandy and water within his reach. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in place of silver." "Yes, it was twisted." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. own family. beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "And sit in the dark?" indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. matter." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "He said that you could solve anything." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads that I can to serve you." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and companion quietly. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he