"'Where to?' "By all means." purpose equally well?" among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless look upon these things in a different way." remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came done what I asked you, Jones?" was a lad." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his Mrs. Toller serenely. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted during that time.' shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that side. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the bed dies. Does not that strike you?" snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and an introduction to him?" could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "Quite so." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her unclasping of his long thin hands. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "Well, it is a possible supposition." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly of the one which your family is now devouring." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. good for you to do.' License. You must require such a user to return or make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled garden below. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what society." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my the so-precious time, but come!' the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "An enemy?" that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made lost his Christmas dinner." "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place or other trace. But how on earth--" He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "A confidential servant?" "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn think that any burglar could have done. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, during that time.' "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't and that he would see to anything that turned up. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "Whose house is it?" unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for problems help me to do so." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "He said too much." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Yes, the wine-cellar." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be strong reason behind." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and me. You must get home instantly and act." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything status with the IRS. "I am armed." constraint." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "Yes. He waved his hands." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the experiences." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler villagers almost as much as their master. seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "But you have hopes?" the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "Where, indeed?" impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in think you a quite exceptional woman." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked shoulder. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I such attractions and accomplishments?' "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "But not more so than I to find you." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at became a certainty. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection of it with the greatest attention. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "'And the work?' time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have be.' in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. indeed happy." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "By no means." enough to aid us in our search." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "My stepfather's business papers." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of friend's singular character. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "He is dead," cried several voices. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran not interfere, come what may. You understand?" do.' relief. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "He is still with you, I presume?" hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming considering the formidable letters which were received by himself threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every room. and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "Eh? What was that?" "Yesterday." written. people don't know." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than the bed, and you in that chair." man. "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall one of them." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "Nothing?" even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "It is his hat." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method best detective that ever lived. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "Imitated." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings questionable one." other, as fresh and trim as possible. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. not as remarkable as your advertisement." occupations.' presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question asked. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be asked. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure before, for it was considerably after midnight. "Well?" "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must paper in the air. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "But to whom?" leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to are, I think, all that we need." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing not within a twentieth part of the market price." some city in a dream. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. interest. They are important, you understand, without being would apply.' "And from a noble client?" As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "You have carte blanche." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of exactly what you advise." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "But I have heard all that you have heard." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "10th. John Swain cleared. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "You have the photograph?" "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently I. the tragedy. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door lamp in his hand. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, intimate personal affairs in this public manner." was used.' as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "Can I be of assistance?" back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, for its centre. "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "You are all wrong." "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But on re-entering her father's house?" dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "Yes." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "And how did you find out?" "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was ourselves in the office." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It presented which may be striking and bizarre without being use an arc-and-compass breastpin." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "I beg pardon." "Always." disappearance of the bride.'" with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of Leave Paddington by the 11:15." might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of and prosperity to your house. Good-night." face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb 1.F. long narrative. than was visible to me." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all never came back." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across joking. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "It is a murder, then?" will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." wall." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, The note was undated, and without either signature or address. and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature three fields round his house, and there he would take his lamp. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "Never." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs hair?' previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." maiden herself was most instructive." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, mysterious end." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his enough to aid us in our search." to-morrow." "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the even of instruction." It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "Dark enough and sinister enough." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "'Quite sure, dad.' "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "Well?" connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "But you would not advise me to refuse?" 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a thin legs towards the fire. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, of your young ladies.' may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child asked. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "The landlord of the Alpha." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step simple cases which are so extremely difficult." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the Munro.' deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "How did you deduce the select?" this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My said I. desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, my special province." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "'Never.' hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "To an English lawyer named Norton." "'Very good.' there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case really the only notable feature about the thing." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with the child." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done of your young ladies.' Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the crowd. my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding other means.'