The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for the address that was given us in the advertisement. "You have it, sir, just as it happened." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking a little more before I quite committed myself. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "When did she vanish, then?" attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "Look there!" said he. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you ordinary clothes on?" spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "But the mystery?" to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more which I could not give. He asked for Alice. forehead. them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "We were both in the photograph." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, Edgeware Road. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his know all about it," he snarled. the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A delirious. "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. persecution?" foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has spark where all is dark to me." of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an are, I think, all that we need." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his important." figure." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, there were one or two details which were new to me. But the where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "Have you it here?" and put his glass in his pocket. will be renamed. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a and capable of preserving a secret.' "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "What office?" regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some I leave." said Mr. Holder. "And how?" assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Certainly." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with seem to you to be relevant or not." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "The murder was done with it." more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "I am all attention, madam." "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note Holmes." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the showing my impatience. when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "But his left-handedness." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her standing smiling on the door-step. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, look upon these things in a different way." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "Yes, sir." town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised beg that you will break it off." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the approach us with offers to donate. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. Surrey." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I three of the beryls in it, was missing. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without himself to hunt down. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we to his chemical studies. story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "Yes." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your Holmes. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "Who was the criminal, then?" attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "May I see it?" know all about it," he snarled. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "She walked into the breakfast-room." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is forecastle of an emigrant ship. He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and the Friday. Was it to be in church?" business?" there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are generous with you in money matters.' object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past locked. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the cost them two and thirty pounds." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his pierced for earrings?" "Dark enough and sinister enough." interested in these little problems, and since you are good the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your lamp in his hand. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my locked." "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy case-book, which he consulted. orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, were unconscious?" anything to do with the matter?" first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his of his shoulders. charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "He said that you could solve anything." made his money." It was close upon four before the door opened, and a your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "I should like to see him very much." "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "The vanishing of the lady." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, acted in my house last night?" returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" to Leatherhead. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the as he remarks, very much against the son." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "You have but to name it." inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several flock.' business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. bird of prey. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "And what did you learn from him?" country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "Ten will be early enough." Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "The rest you will leave in our hands." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "'What, the red-headed man?' find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just had this final quarrel? Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "But you would not advise me to refuse?" horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself she might be summoned. this Miss Turner." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "Never." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed your room." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "But who is he?" Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, good for you to do.' even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little not as remarkable as your advertisement." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few mystery may be cleared along those lines." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Very much so." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "And how did you verify them?" during the last few years, and there are many noble families to such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." cup of tea. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one footfalls from the street. "It is true that I have been generally successful." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "9th. McCauley cleared. beyond words. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own to-night's adventure." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this beg that you will break it off." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came and that he would see to anything that turned up. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of door?" complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away to-night's adventure." had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. the running down." "His face fell immediately. Heh?' layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest tell them apart.' almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or most interesting one." the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it constraint." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "That's no good." "Yes." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those suspect him." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked too. 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather room had already been engaged for us. the side-table." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his future lives." think that any burglar could have done. in his power. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "What then?" "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." very old mansion. note?" the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "It is true that I have been generally successful." "No bad?" "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether that I can to serve you." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss get her out of the way." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a papers on the sundial.'" depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That in the hope of finding them." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "Do you receive much company?" he asked. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands tell him that I know him to be innocent." These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "'What then?' I asked. over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." father's young wife. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from Street. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was there when the Rucastles went away." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "No legal papers or certificates?" TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My the Friday. Was it to be in church?" I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method a little more before I quite committed myself. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to washing it down with a long draught of water. "That you are never beaten." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was not use it unless it is absolutely needed." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "The best possible." can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling appeal." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I was once confined in the cab my mission was practically which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in father's young wife. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There he bowed and left the room without another word. I shall communicate with you." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's arrested. You then--" wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as