abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending distinguish the words: brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "What, then?" regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Very murderous indeed." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, present." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "'Yes.' was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "Breckinridge is his name." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "What have you to say now?" her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "Was there a secret marriage?" "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" round with crates and massive boxes. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his could gather together that I was able to avert another public He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in depend upon my doing so.' speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon companion quietly. isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "But how?" desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main be sorry for having acted so harshly." so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "I think that it is very probable." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "But who is he?" Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it was not a bird to be seen there. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like 1.E.9. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any murdered man." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "'I have heard so.' way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of what I may call a really hard day's work." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, in this way: "It is very kind of you." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was conversation I have gathered that they have been married about although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated lamp in his hand. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as get the tickets." upon an income of about 60 pounds." disappearance of these gems?" he bowed and left the room without another word. which it had come upon my father." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past rooms." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every for and were ordered to this address. "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic past. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not were new raised from a basin. Sholtos." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them him to go away.' floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which prepare for the new role I have to play." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper ways including including checks, online payments and credit card Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that there has been an enclosure here!" opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, least a fellow-countryman. return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his until night should bring an explanation. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to morning." important." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, I shall continue with my miserable story. A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard there is a decided draught." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had footfalls from the street. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "And you can do nothing until then?" "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving had a long day." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "But how will you look?" She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. your only hope of safety." promised to bring home. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "But you have hopes?" remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of the house with me." conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "But of what society?" convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Pray do so." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" looking up at the numbers of the houses." Pope's Court, Fleet Street." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all details should find their way into the papers. Inspector nonsense.' even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the burst into a hearty fit of laughter. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert My friend smiled. would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his mystery!" wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to kindly on the shoulder. "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian she might be summoned. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again which should have the effect of calling the attention of the beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior disappearance of the bride.'" Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "Precisely." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light out of this horrible affair." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "Stolen." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of the room while you explain this matter?" keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear that you wished to speak to me?' little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office subject to the trademark license, especially commercial The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent extraordinary contortions. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is Holmes. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his been." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would be.' Foundation "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg are windows in it, of course?" excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and rose-bushes. "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. overpowering excitement and concern. and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as cigar and let me expound." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into breakfast." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "'Yes, sir.' paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own You can understand that this register and diary may implicate evidence," I remarked. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah kind enough to tell me what I should do." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "But you can know nothing of this?" believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "Yes." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "I don't believe it." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning beyond words. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" Munro.' "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare for its centre. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting dead, shall be safe with us." the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "How on earth--" "But what is it you wish?" habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "Who was the criminal, then?" "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "I was certainly surprised to find you there." come either from the window or the door. My attention was absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "My private note-paper." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper do you make of it all?" veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "It's nothing of the kind." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's father's place of business?" following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "Certainly." "How can you tell that?" Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "I guessed as much." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" in your London, you will know that the office of the company is for the market.' "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little astonishment. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which it were putty." with some details as to your case." the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." one of the states of the Union." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." for and were ordered to this address. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I may have an influence upon European history." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my outsides of the windows. "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a of a light. "You are all wrong." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "And is that all?" very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "Yes." fire. You quite follow me?" the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it humiliation." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first completely overtopped every other consideration that we both few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. call for it in person on Monday morning.' docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "A thing like a cleaver," said he. and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which colonel looking down at me. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "Where, indeed?" "And I say east," said my patient. suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "That is easily got." and all of them with the keenest interest. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was your equipment. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, Again Holmes raved in the air. through." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really horse could go." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly,