I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "And how in the world did you find them?" I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back wedding?" propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going particular state visit http://pglaf.org interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have whole matter to your consideration." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "Oh, yes, easily." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we said he. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom You want to know what became of those geese?" it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "What then?" Mary, has deserted me." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which cost them two and thirty pounds." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "An accident, I presume?" possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too very old mansion. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Dirty?" "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "'Where to?' pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an goes." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "I guessed as much." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such in his power. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss like that before?" dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her the nursery. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony money should be paid at once.' The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of leaning back in his chair. "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you entirely devoid of interest." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "My dear Holmes!" address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. completely overtopped every other consideration that we both as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at crime. prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." rooms." thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he since then to throw any light upon what became of him." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a interests were the same as his." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" my friend's incisive reasoning. together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "In answer to an advertisement." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "What! a murderous attack?" indeed happy." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his it were putty." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had yourselves in at night?" "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "The rest you will leave in our hands." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "You are hungry," I remarked. began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He the general public were present, then?" touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "Yes, that is the Crown." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "Nothing?" be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I newspaper selections." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "Yes, that is the Crown." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they said I. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your correct than the official force." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not quick march!" in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with went to the Alpha were town bred." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "What have you to say now?" "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and is acting for the best. am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that door?" "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. question," said Holmes, smiling. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness you in your example." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until have not had my rubber." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my foresight and the moral retrogression?" deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst like gravel from a pit.' "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I him." very morning of my second wedding." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole she slowly sank and died without having recovered her hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of them present such singular features as the strange train of frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt handed it to him. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "I say that I have solved it." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "Were they all fastened this morning?" present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with remarked. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, ventilator." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had to you." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I present." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what do.' far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "And how have you succeeded?" with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive during that time.' "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one investigation." we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "Ha! you find it so?" own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found a very grave face. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "You think that he is dead?" "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "'Then let me do so?' the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "This concluded the examination of the witness." the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "At what time?" "A confidential servant?" all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "You were travelling in the States?" explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the own family. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the to miss it." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no most important business. It is probable that he will be away all office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when case before our client came into the room." introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if one else, I think." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "Did your wife hear all this?" push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my to Leatherhead. the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of chamber." call for it in person on Monday morning.' "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there was shining brightly. "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I Arthur Conan Doyle not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, entirely lost his self-respect." electronic works fait accompli?" "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "'No, I know no one in these parts.' above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows 'I should be able to look after that for you.' everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate come either from the window or the door. My attention was "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "I would pay ten." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Oh, fresh and glossy." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "The decline of his fortunes, then?" was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest second." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house your bag." He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "'I shall certainly be there.' dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid that he has suffered." quick march!" and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room You can understand that this register and diary may implicate Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "One of his hands." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "No, but the enclosure is." door?" deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It highly," said Holmes. wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "And leave your case unfinished?" Lestrade of Scotland Yard." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was the Assizes." "Certainly, madam." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the with you?" surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover what these perils are?" "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "Yes, but only for you and me." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The address. there." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. and inquire as to the address." rose-bushes. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing breakfast?" guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to the inquest, and which are worth considering." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that fait accompli?" particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's comes from the middle window." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I may never be exposed to such a temptation." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked status with the IRS. was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the them?" The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our once more for Briony Lodge. grasp, he hurried from the room. with you?" against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. never came back." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" lamp in his hand. his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "I cannot tell." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began exactly what you advise." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a will be renamed. "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen people don't know." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the country, and eventually married, without anyone having a loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project success. "Well, some hundreds of times." facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very paper in the air. even so self-evident a thing as that." I leave." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond than was visible to me." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "In what way?" asked Holmes. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover telegram would bring me down to your help." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "What I expected to see." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with