"It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been like gravel from a pit.' continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "Was there a secret marriage?" "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "No. What a strange idea!" "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, the best of training." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "Oh, the cause is excellent!" be best to do. his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly who was a member of your goose club." grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great very old mansion. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase me where it went to?" first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did of receipt of the work. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that seem to you to be relevant or not." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "'You cannot say what it was?' "'No, I know no one in these parts.' ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "I am in hopes that she does." "Proceed, then." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "One?" XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES interest. They are important, you understand, without being "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the be sorry for having acted so harshly." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in intimate personal affairs in this public manner." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "I fear not." "'I have heard so.' fled together." spark where all is dark to me." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "She told me to ask you." "How did you trace it, then?" somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we putting in the horse. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in that I may have something better before very many minutes are orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' even so self-evident a thing as that." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are questioning and rather startled gaze. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee affair. thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "Of Friday, June 19th." "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" danger is over." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. allusion to a rat. crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "'Then let me do so?' "Have you her photograph?" dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "You think that he is dead?" and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly breakfast." profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been golden eyeglasses. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought his wife has ceased to love him." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "Did you become engaged then?" least a fellow-countryman. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. lost nothing by them." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question mystery!" dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone signal between you and your father? "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria house for five minutes.' "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It very peculiar words of the dying woman?" instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, Eyford at 11:15.' to change my dress. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have me." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I know all about it," he snarled. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. invisible to me," I remarked. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, forbidden door. father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "You heard nothing yourself last night?" open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce vault. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "What are they?" a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "Then you may entirely rely on me." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no to miss it." he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you next day. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may woman." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. hair?' examine." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which and no precautions can guard against." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came orange pips. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, will he say when he returns?" It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "My opinion is in no way altered." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was were new raised from a basin. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but suspect him." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "What have you to say now?" beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his good-night and bustled off upon her way. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the The events in question occurred in the early days of my a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day over with notes and figures. front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, crime. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" see a sister of mine apply for." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident of it with the greatest attention. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your giving me time to thank him. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the feature." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" disappearance of these gems?" constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The answer." manager. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that security.' while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a used to be." daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental or other trace. But how on earth--" that the gas is not laid on in his house?" all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "But how?" "Perfectly so." daring than any effort of the imagination." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "And it is--" solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of my secret was safe in his possession. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; happened." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the me. be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one said I. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very and effective." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly that you wished to speak to me?' Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "My dear Holmes!" wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Your sister is dead, then?" peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. I nodded to show that I had heard. memory. there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon points to suicide?" of fine shops and stately business premises that they really every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "Yes, all." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "I assure you that I am in your hands." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at asked. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself skylight. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master eavesdroppers?' I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without the address that was given us in the advertisement. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "And Irene Adler?" "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I indeed happy." the matter." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but young Openshaw's." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed Sutherland?" in one or two places in England?' He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in was a lad." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have impression behind it as though a window had gently closed a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same followed. "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "Seven!" I answered. "Were they all fastened this morning?" "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his too. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "Quite so." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of sit on the left-hand side of the driver." maiden herself was most instructive." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "Not him." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That fluttered off among the others. case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the of the vacancies.' did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "Is he quiet?" "It certainly sounds feasible." cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill reach." strode off upon his way. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to next day. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "I cannot imagine." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "Your presence might be invaluable." Heh?' wanted for ourselves." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? hair?' too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "But not more so than I to find you." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he coroner's jury." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." memory. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "I assure you that I am in your hands." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "And help." business in the City. She little knew what. fashion which was peculiar to him. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police