we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some had formerly been in part my own. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be second window is the one that I jumped from." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "None." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my name is different." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or some mystery and the punishment of some crime." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for I nodded to show that I had heard. prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "The Coroner: What do you mean? never came back." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "My private note-paper." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "Perhaps I have." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "No." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "Yes, that is the Crown." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "I will try. What is it?" opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "By all means." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than companion. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said him. "The murder was done with it." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer past. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to purpose equally well?" actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door the Red-headed League." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "And did you observe any change in her then?" at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "He is still with you, I presume?" "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "Certainly, madam." "You horrify me." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" because she had spent so short a time in this country that she really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, in. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable him nearly every evening." "Nothing?" ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, true." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been Sutherland. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" it." client, rising. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is round and wave him away like that.' Literary Archive Foundation "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the emerged. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "Nothing." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "What, then, did Peterson do?" that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. reach." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An IS sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to the house with me." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both the warnings." you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "'Not at all. I only doubt--' over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, nights." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, imbecility!" he cried. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was tension within him. charge against him will break down." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "No, but the enclosure is." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The paper in the air. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now instincts rose up against that laugh. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "You have carte blanche." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "Then I shall certainly come." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon delirious. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as what these perils are?" passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. or other trace. But how on earth--" the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "My last client of the sort was a king." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "Then, as to money?" left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "You horrify me!" "Never to return." I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which enter into my head. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few his eyes and forehead. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. in a friendly supper." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was skylight. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were felt?" eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "'And what salary do you ask?' foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and there." house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was people in all walks of life. "What! You do not mean bodies?" Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and once more. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable some mystery and the punishment of some crime." or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "Then he might have called to you?" "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do the window, rose as we entered. "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, said I. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "Well, it is a possible supposition." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, strong and stiff." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "I will not look." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "And how did he make his money?" established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "Nor running a chance of arrest?" from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "Why, it's a dummy," said he. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the Have you good authority for what you say?" little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "My Mary? Impossible!" reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after along the entire front of the house, with three long windows dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." as he remarks, very much against the son." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Not in the least." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "No. What a strange idea!" Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked once more for Briony Lodge. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. absorbing." "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic fait accompli?" door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a infinite languor in his face. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you views." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his My friend smiled. fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked the bottom.' You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. arrangements." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge putting in the horse. confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "What do you mean?" what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "Absolutely?" profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on trifles." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, disappearance of these gems?" fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, fled together." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "You'll never persuade me to believe that." about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This lamp. came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern one else, I think." the window, rose as we entered. "But what is it you wish?" year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits For additional contact information: ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom again, where I was soon asleep. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Yes." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, delighted to hear it," he said. inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "Nor running a chance of arrest?" cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more ventilator." time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is from the brougham. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his of the one which your family is now devouring." themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "But what is it you wish?" burst into a hearty fit of laughter. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have for the market.' saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his and inquire as to the address." means taking possession of that which another person has a prior License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "I am following you closely," I answered. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope against a man in the prime of life?" somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. have not had my rubber." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was the Red-headed League." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of not interfere, come what may. You understand?" shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying again before evening." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite characteristics, but those are the more obvious." that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked know what is wrong with it.' almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where forehead. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting place no limit on the sum I may draw." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, in the hope of finding them." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "It's nothing of the kind." in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you lids now and glanced across at his visitor. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "Can I be of assistance?" touch that coronet?' bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this copied or distributed: believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "Certainly, madam." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "It certainly sounds feasible." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "Married! When?" horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their o'clock is it?" "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "Yes." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "Pray continue your narrative." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to at a side door. would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and desk. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in on in his house." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of think that he is innocent?" green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "No?" points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "So I am. Very much so." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in purpose equally well?" which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very four million human beings all jostling each other within the Holmes. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. have been better. It is all right." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the province." that there was nothing in it, after all."