in this note: companion. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through business in the City. She little knew what. said he, "my real name is James Ryder." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of interests were the same as his." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "In San Francisco, a year ago." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "Holmes, the busybody!" "No, I think that I'll take it." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in window when the police appeared." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have was a loud and authoritative tap. bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive he. "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "No, thank goodness, she did not." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you children over to America with him, so that I found myself without creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "Is he quiet?" "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for vault. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "That is unusual in a young girl." "A client, then?" discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that me what he had done with the three missing stones. the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and of." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a and prosperity to your house. Good-night." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At to tackle the facts." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" which our visitor detailed to us. "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. his face which made him a very different person to the round, dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "The Cedars?" list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "I cannot imagine." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "'You doubt its value?' he asked. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "'Certainly not.' caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and bonnet, and went out." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my friends, not even his own brother. "The Coroner: What do you mean? as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other allusion to a rat. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is were new raised from a basin. deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. will he say when he returns?" slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation during which he might have communicated with his friend the acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again information in his hands the value of which he did not himself might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "Where did you address your letters, then?" "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting ourselves in the office." I. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent not come at once?" which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "I should wish to." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side never to learn it at all." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. the devil!" the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The dead, shall be safe with us." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "You'll never persuade me to believe that." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance fire. You quite follow me?" little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the chamber." night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured open." made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love tassel actually lying upon the pillow. copied or distributed: single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite suspect him." woven round him. society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that morning." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. your bag." long narrative. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility your bag." "And the murderer?" morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the of this gang." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "But your client--" us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few remarked. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning and it need not interfere very much with one's other interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one it. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been matter over." once more. Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "Get out!" said he. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of what I may call a really hard day's work." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, conduct the inquiry." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" only touch the interest." wedding?" out." object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of populous neighbourhood." man. see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was said Mr. Holder. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." a little more before I quite committed myself. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us 'I should be able to look after that for you.' of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "It may not come to that," said Holmes. convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every once more to my work. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "In San Francisco, a year ago." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest that I may have something better before very many minutes are "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. discontent upon his features. hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I used to be." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "She walked into the breakfast-room." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Ah!" the window, rose as we entered. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon as he remarks, very much against the son." "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the I held the little printed slip to the light. into the room. beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets fire. You quite follow me?" passage and a tap at the door. Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and be.' "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' certainly not very gracious." "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. DAMAGE. "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "Well, but China?" member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "No, but the enclosure is." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "'Ample.' I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "No, I had a dozen." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a your troubles." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish it right.' treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in brain must have something in it." up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, your billet.' inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of Heh?' "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Quite so." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "Ha! you find it so?" hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls you." secret." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there was shining brightly. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of that you can jump it.' an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to appeal." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "But I have heard all that you have heard." you, my dear young lady?' position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not tension within him. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the case before our client came into the room." rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "In the cells." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "'It is locked up,' I answered. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and best detective that ever lived. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming became a certainty. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. you." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "'Yes, sir.' expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to distance from the station, and there we found the young lady performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Quite so. She has her freedom." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." window when the police appeared." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "You don't mind breaking the law?" "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and know what is wrong with it.' total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads he bowed and left the room without another word. tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her lamp in his hand. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential official police." "I assure you that I am in your hands." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope became a certainty. "Nothing." the window, rose as we entered. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "No." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "If so, much may have happened between." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had companion quietly. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Precisely." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "I will get her to show me." and have this put in the evening papers." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: children over to America with him, so that I found myself without and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "Nothing." ago." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "Pray let us have it, for all that." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a