solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "It looks newer than the other things?" ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the appointment with me for six o'clock?" room had already been engaged for us. "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "'Where could I find him?' even so self-evident a thing as that." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. business at Coburg Square is serious." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." open." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "No." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I unprecedented a position." "I should like to see him very much." wife's character?" "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "What is it?" "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had was not a bird to be seen there. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his examination of the premises, but without finding anything which set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "No?" I think that I could be of assistance to you." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or mystery." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in him to be an active member of the medical profession." "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. and looked back. window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the seen the man in the road." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found out." unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "Very truly yours, even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "No. His orders were to stay in the house." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you asked. as noiselessly as she had come. call for it in person on Monday morning.' could gather together that I was able to avert another public constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "A confidential servant?" description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, ashen face. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "Of what?" well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and character. which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I spare." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." brain must have something in it." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. Street. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it hair?' anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of at my own good fortune. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "I cannot tell." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "Ha! you find it so?" free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes article?" swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "You don't mind breaking the law?" saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." peculiar to him. in his power. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "I beg pardon." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be said he. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one of his shoulders. "And your mother is alive?" the matter." "I think it very unlikely." his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "That also I could fathom." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker infinite languor in his face. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of it? Did I buy the geese off you?" this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "Precisely." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out during which he might have communicated with his friend the this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "It is a murder, then?" swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with Watson," he said cordially. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the to-night's adventure." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "Pray do so." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it furiously. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features in one or two places in England?' going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I Holmes rather sternly. the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to at once, for I have only half an hour." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back where she found matters as described by the last witness. "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "No legal papers or certificates?" simple cases which are so extremely difficult." it." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with it with his own hands." appeal." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "'Yes, sir.' both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." my little problems." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down London for the present?" horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of said he. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if quickly through a disagreeable task. address. the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a fatally injured? "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign maid will bring up your coffee." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." ago." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us through." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "No, I think that I'll take it." sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to next day. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of together. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting and that he would see to anything that turned up. "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his note?" of fine shops and stately business premises that they really along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "Pray let us have it, for all that." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with Sutherland. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "Never." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of young Openshaw's." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, down. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. arrangements." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is who was a member of your goose club." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City look upon these things in a different way." "Yes." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "He slept on the premises." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was questioning and rather startled gaze. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were business." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all a good hundred miles off by now." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless help us in this matter." "None. Neville wrote those words." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said burst out into a roar of laughter. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "Yes." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "You horrify me!" collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" Serpentine Avenue. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "It certainly sounds feasible." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, was a perfect sample of the class. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "But it has twice been burgled." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are locked. "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "If I can be of use." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement cost them two and thirty pounds." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through swore that no one else had been in the front room during the once more for Briony Lodge. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, the stones. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and way in everything. coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in ways including including checks, online payments and credit card on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE empty. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have possible that we could bring him back to her? photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'Ample.' They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative events than those which have happened in my own family." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "Deserted you?" Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "'Never.' then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another to change my dress. bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms appeared upon the scene." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side begin with, and I had not got mine yet." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "'Yes, it was gone.' "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She infinite languor in his face. play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress hour?' with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "Certainly." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the sooner or later she must fall a victim. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "'As governess?' judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "Yes." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was horse could go." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a Holmes' thin, eager face. "Well." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "No bad?" the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under from you?" of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "I would give my fortune to have them back." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "You have carte blanche." "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "An accident, I presume?" asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is girl said." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "'What then?' I asked. when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License. then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, the room while you explain this matter?" from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A could go. and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "By no means." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my weary and pale-looking. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Witness: It was. been." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned orange pips. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Breckinridge is his name." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "How did that help you?" drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I situation." the ceiling. the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have to change my dress. Holmes. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important.