"No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that weighed down with some great anxiety. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, little trying to do so much typewriting?" down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "By no means." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. which it had come upon my father." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium felt?" have not had my rubber." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the Count Von Kramm." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no the one as in the other." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of the little opening for the ventilator is." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "'Certainly,' I answered. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of business came to an end." The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "But you can know nothing of this?" was the fact that his father should, according to his account, anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "You heard nothing yourself last night?" him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "Here?" "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this forbidden door. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to to tackle the facts." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a instituted." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from side. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "Then he might have called to you?" has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "Absolutely?" did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. not personally threatened." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own that?' ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR helping a boy to put up the shutters. me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking upon the white wrist. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account there has been an enclosure here!" Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "'You cannot say what it was?' seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a purpose equally well?" than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you relation between them, and what the object of his repeated Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and will take you up to see the machine.' "Entirely." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "Yes, certainly." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a and the colonel ushered me in. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." do.' akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "Was she in good spirits?" his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. business at Coburg Square is serious." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a advice." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "But it has twice been burgled." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "No sign of it?" "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no all that?" have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "Has he come with you to-night?" horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my pound a week." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy the room while you explain this matter?" heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still before, for it was considerably after midnight. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the case before our client came into the room." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded be best to do. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "And the cigar-holder?" own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "Nothing." hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your three fields round his house, and there he would take his saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden think, you have already met." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it confronted him. "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "But how could you guess what the motive was?" very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the seven miles from Eyford Station.' to have that photograph." that I may have something better before very many minutes are "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his my room." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. and that he would see to anything that turned up. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and indeed which he could not unravel. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "You have but to name it." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he this man was intellectual?" client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "How did he come?" broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. his eyes and forehead. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! ready to-morrow?' window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have your sleep?' Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked noble correspondent could be. which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "No." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, fish-monger and a tide-waiter." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" open." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "So it appears." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "Then you may be so with me." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Pray do so." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." and a shock of very red hair. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "The landlord of the Alpha." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" thin, with a long, sharp nose?" other lovers by making love himself." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the goes." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow towards the blaze. interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots status with the IRS. "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard mystery!" I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "That is not always so easy." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in digesting their breakfasts at home." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "And help." "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great passage and a tap at the door. too. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but again." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out but preventing her from injuring another. thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this I. "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for new acquaintance to Baker Street. "I think that it is very probable." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "But you have hopes?" memory. if only as a check to my own memory." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When to surprise her." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "But she will refuse." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down The summons was a brief and urgent one. a very grave face. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it upon the shelf for the interim." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this The telegram which we eventually received came late one night position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that ill-usage at the hands of fortune. scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, His name is Francis Prosper." despaired of." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the against a man in the prime of life?" Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a was a perfect sample of the class. that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "What?" could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic interest. They are important, you understand, without being "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking your billet.' of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "So I am. Very much so." "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of that you can jump it.' room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "Nothing?" struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he prepare for the new role I have to play." events than those which have happened in my own family." anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the tied." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he only touch the interest." "But what is it you wish?" union?" was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with one of them." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "We were both in the photograph." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella to go into your room and bar your shutters?" before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "VIOLET HUNTER." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "I beg pardon." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to when you have done it." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport his knees, staring into the fire. sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "'Quite sure, dad.' events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." Pope's Court, Fleet Street." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his have one." happened." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "Very murderous indeed." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "I promise," said Holmes. "And now?" He raised his hand. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a strode off upon his way. The telegram which we eventually received came late one night got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, relation between them, and what the object of his repeated consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have Serpentine Avenue. "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Proceed, then." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small she used."