"The landlord of the Alpha." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "And on what day did he meet his death?" doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on have established a very serious case against the son of the points in connection with it which never have been, and probably probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "But how will you look?" Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "Which surely he restored to their owner?" conversation I have gathered that they have been married about foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life than was visible to me." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up had picked up in the wood. quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. back to my heart. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "Very truly yours, once more for Briony Lodge. enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, thin legs towards the fire. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "But his lameness?" "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "No, I think that I'll take it." test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different questioning and rather startled gaze. mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If amused." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of Eyford." screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind little adventures." "Dr. Becher's." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "Did you become engaged then?" outside. sound at heart." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we questionable one." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must new duties?' doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "'Certainly not. But why?' "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." learned something! Where are the gems?" William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for you found me to-night--and running through the front room she We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "Has he come with you to-night?" should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while to tell." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the character. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into such attractions and accomplishments?' central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "I am all attention, madam." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "Then what has happened to him?" is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "I was certainly surprised to find you there." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, and shall probably return to London by the evening train." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "Ha! you find it so?" "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his will find little credit to be gained out of this case." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the families. Now for the facts. "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "Why serious?" came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "They are typewritten," I remarked. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most I think that I could be of assistance to you." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its becomes even more simple." Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the envelope. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "Dr. Becher's." possible that we could bring him back to her? of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly until night should bring an explanation. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "And what did you see?" the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "And what did you see?" steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "Yes, sir." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "What of the rat, then?" aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he a room. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance to some other building. in the hope of finding them." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I there were one or two details which were new to me. But the not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do of it with the greatest attention. have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' was a perfect sample of the class. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it o'clock is it?" he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "My private note-paper." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search seem to you to be relevant or not." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "It missed him, then?" and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning business?" had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "He said that you could solve anything." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do you?" the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me went to the Alpha were town bred." this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "Well, some hundreds of times." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. the one as in the other." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "A confidential servant?" "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King be. "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "But you were on a friendly footing?" like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The spark where all is dark to me." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your cost them two and thirty pounds." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have you give your casting vote to?" penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or and that he would see to anything that turned up. affair. light and attacked it." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "At the wedding breakfast." fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until stammered. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our and no precautions can guard against." take the flies, but not before." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a he. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "And your mother is alive?" dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an better in every way that they should make their position a little of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project you?" should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest leaning back in his chair. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of useful material for showing traces. The double line a little entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "Breckinridge is his name." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "In which, sir?" which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were your sleep?' the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "He might." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a may never be exposed to such a temptation." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting sneer upon his pale face. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country assist you in forming an opinion." indiscretion." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." foresight and the moral retrogression?" "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which to affect your life." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "But his left-handedness." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "Which are?" relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "You have a clue?" edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. a suggestive one." this remarkable episode. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk even so self-evident a thing as that." knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "Texas, I think." The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "Were they all fastened this morning?" look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, meanly of me." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed For additional contact information: handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for delirious. bachelor.' and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door forebodings. I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old things are very often connected not with the larger but with the sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I bachelor.' and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish down in his armchair and closing his eyes. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and the Red-headed League." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "To an English lawyer named Norton." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time ways of our fellow-men." papers on the sundial.'" and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any telegram would bring me down to your help." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some your Highness to the police-station?" ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR in one or two places in England?' key turn in the lock." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "And you don't know his address?" There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector him nearly every evening." "And what did you learn from him?" "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" client, rising. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you drawing your inferences." depend upon your compliance." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "Nothing." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, golden eyeglasses. Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either of the one which your family is now devouring." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough you understand?" and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of served to weaken the effect. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "The doctor?" Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "An accident, I presume?" the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a to arrive at through this?" "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "'And the work?' glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching silent! Oh, he will be silent!' elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side assist you in forming an opinion." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship when your master had gone out." "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "That is also quite modern," said the lady. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "Not I." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Could he throw no light?"