particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see cigars in their mouths. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "The vanishing of the lady." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "I will do it." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There room?" "We must sit without light. He would see it through the me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they trying to your nerves." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very nights." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we tied." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one just ask you whether you had heard it.' prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "You think so, too?" who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "There are none." II. Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir excitement. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "And why in hopes?" "'No, I know no one in these parts.' yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten events than those which have happened in my own family." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "The murder was done with it." reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." directors, with the result that you have seen." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "But you can know nothing of this?" "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do interest. They are important, you understand, without being the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel help us in this matter." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The himself to tell his story. seem to you to be relevant or not." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my and the church but not where the lady lived." putting in the horse. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" my former friend and companion. "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' woman who has had her own way to make in the world. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "Then how many are there?" hour?' Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "They are typewritten," I remarked. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, the morning and make my own way in the world.' walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, jewels which you have stolen?' widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "But your client--" "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers something of him before." voice. later, upon the night of May 2nd." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "Was he the only applicant?" "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an matter." very old mansion. For additional contact information: foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each hand, madam?" in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this society." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "And you thought he was pulled back?" seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes train from Paddington which would bring you there at about and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you awaited us upon the table. breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice leaning back in his chair. cigars in their mouths. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "Witness: Nothing definite. events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, other lovers by making love himself." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, knowledge of the world." the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "Yes, all." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the past. awkward doing business with an alias." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "That is also quite modern," said the lady. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. affection." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "In heaven's name, what for?" is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love you do it in twenty minutes!' "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. over here." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I footfalls from the street. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "It must be recovered." Doctor, of the paper and the date." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all at once, for I have only half an hour." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down with her." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid door?" perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm as this. Pray let me have the details." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off peculiar to him. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." you." "Yes, it was twisted." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "You are certainly joking, Holmes." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. how narrow had been my escape. difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "I guessed as much." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "None." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "'Entirely.' have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and desk. "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "You saw the ventilator, too?" the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his tightly behind him. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of at my remark. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." really the only notable feature about the thing." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction will take you up to see the machine.' but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "'You cannot say what it was?' and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "But we can't all be." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in 1.E.9. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock not use it unless it is absolutely needed." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the business?" may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical straighten it?" contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this hard-headed British jury." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? could go. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "It is solved." and wait." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. lost nothing by them." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a people in all walks of life. were unconscious?" prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a see a sister of mine apply for." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "Certainly." more terrible than the truth. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. there is a decided draught." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We power." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." both be extremely obliged.' that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing at home. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "'Never.' here." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "I came to find a friend." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we do you make of it all?" "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face secret." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special your equipment. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of completely overtopped every other consideration that we both place, I think that there is good ground to think that the laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "And help." "Dark enough and sinister enough." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be the little opening for the ventilator is." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End good-night and bustled off upon her way. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and might have a private word with us. "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised just ask you whether you had heard it.' "Ah, but I was recommended to you." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" the salesman. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of bare slabs of marble. a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this arrested. You then--" shadow pass over his face as I spoke. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right more solid." "I have my revolver," said I. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, upon a handsome competence. "You have the photograph?" "No." "And what then?" ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with and no precautions can guard against." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "But of what society?" it." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether said I. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not heavy and sharp instrument." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and second." Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "But what is it you wish?" "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached chance at all." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but horse could go." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to house for five minutes.' teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "That you are never beaten." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "No. His orders were to stay in the house." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "You don't mind breaking the law?" "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "Proceed, then." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "It is to him that this trophy belongs." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I of this gang." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "Yes." "Will you bet, then?" will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I row." she used." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter yourselves in at night?" wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "Quite so." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want pound a week." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have presented more singular features than that which was associated "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second himself. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated