cost them two and thirty pounds." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last again before evening." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to time." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the indeed which he could not unravel. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. fuss that is made over them." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular whole matter to your consideration." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you affection." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' green of the new foliage. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my this unhappy family?" labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire maiden herself was most instructive." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered the night.' answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more such attractions and accomplishments?' "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting than was visible to me." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "No." "But of what society?" admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were how narrow had been my escape. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a the matter?" receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. to talk it over. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept brain must have something in it." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was there has been an enclosure here!" have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "The Cedars?" Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his touch that coronet?' dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity the Friday. Was it to be in church?" How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "In the cells." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles nothing of it?" He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what appointment with me for six o'clock?" character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his hurried by. so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, at home. imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "In San Francisco, a year ago." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains chemical work which was so dear to him. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Tired-looking or fresh?" four million human beings all jostling each other within the road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "'And the work?' also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair entirely devoid of interest." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "And how did you find out?" of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "It's nothing of the kind." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be business." my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You already referred to. "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the The telegram which we eventually received came late one night this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the in the dead of the night?' Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from your room." which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "You have but to name it." "I am armed." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by one else, I think." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off pity, because in other respects you would really have done very inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There photograph a cabinet?" Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." stood on the top of it. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those some mystery and the punishment of some crime." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. the nursery. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. be. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "I fear not." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in where Mr. Fordham shows you.' enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution carpenter." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "None. Neville wrote those words." as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of Cross for the Continent." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of families. Now for the facts. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." you do it in twenty minutes!' "Yes." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "But it has twice been burgled." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, seen the man in the road." certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Witness: It was. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the fattened it expressly for you.' I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when so.' call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged you?' preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "Was your sister dressed?" I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has we went to search for him, face downward in a little "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "And on what day did he meet his death?" eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the in. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and are windows in it, of course?" salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could you?" "My dear Holmes!" He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from depend upon my doing so.' Have you good authority for what you say?" "She will not sell." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "Why did you beat the pavement?" Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" as he folded up the epistle. right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well into her hand at the door and which lured her within their the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle one's self under obligations.' that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do of campaign. know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "Never." "Precisely." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. cigars in their mouths. the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in said he at last. breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "Yes, from Horsham." "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed the roots. 1.E.9. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a to me. his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, hour?' "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "Get out!" said he. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have manager. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to chill to my heart. laugh and put his lips to my ear. some city in a dream. call you and give you the chance." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "Upon what point?" very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works envelope. By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "Very well, sir. And this stone?" Miss Holder?" really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "Nothing." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that perplexity from it to my illustrious client. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "On the contrary, this is the right side." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "You are all wrong." chamber." careless servant girl?" Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by exactly what you advise." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "'Yes.' destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then the roots. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "It certainly sounds feasible." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" indeed happy." "Certainly." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our to-night?" I asked. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. used to be." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they papers on the sundial.'" other lovers by making love himself." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "You'll never persuade me to believe that." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "You have a clue?" all that?" sit on the left-hand side of the driver." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring to-night." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. writing, and yet I know it well." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my strength of mind to control. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key as he remarks, very much against the son." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "It looks newer than the other things?" both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. matter." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a that there was nothing in it, after all." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. amused." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are gbnewby@pglaf.org it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you you do it in twenty minutes!' too. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, tell them apart.' but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not in the hope of finding them." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child nothing with him." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." to Leatherhead. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "And you don't know his address?" "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "Not I." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial upon the sideboard." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly if she died from some sudden fright." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me