be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at washing it down with a long draught of water. with you?" "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning will take you up to see the machine.' horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers me. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which several quiet little villages up there." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "Only as much as we can deduce." "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "I will not look." America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "'Yes, it was gone.' and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Absolutely none." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "I see no marks." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room made his money." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to Lee, in the county of Kent." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door in this note: "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. least a most suspicious remark." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should over with notes and figures. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are Miss Holder?" latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "But his lameness?" all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet have accepted such a situation. "And now?" He raised his hand. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the in this note: any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "'What then?' I asked. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years less than 26s. 4d. hardly wander." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are a suggestive one." which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "It is true that I have been generally successful." unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an 1.F. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "At what time?" was keenly on my guard against him. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "What are they?" upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is geese which you supplied to the Alpha." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "It is possible." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he what do you think they found in the pockets?" was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "Only as much as we can deduce." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott and the colonel ushered me in. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I distance from the station, and there we found the young lady happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Yes, but only for you and me." we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP three of the beryls in it, was missing. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking hardly wander." "Dirty?" carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "Was the window open?" "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "Entirely." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a out of this horrible affair." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "Married! When?" no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "I was afraid that you were engaged." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm have one." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. events, Mr. Windibank!" "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned is," said he presently: I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have 'please.'" work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to lost nothing by them." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue Does that suggest anything?" Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "But how will you look?" As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "In the cells." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "It missed him, then?" "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "'Then let me do so?' down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. lamp in his hand. drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a 11:15.' "And why?" "And I to find an enemy." "Absolutely none." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "I think that I had better go, Holmes." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "'There is a drive, then?' he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads shall not find me ungrateful." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who was a perfect sample of the class. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to not fit the lock." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." read over the extraordinary announcement. all-comprehensive glances. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "'I am sure that I do not know.' always that they were such commands as a lady might with on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "My stepfather's business papers." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the rat could hardly pass through." The summons was a brief and urgent one. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "I was sure that I might rely on you." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some skylight. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been shoulder. "How many? I don't know." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "His face fell immediately. "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' me what he had done with the three missing stones. it." and I shall be with you presently." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of he bowed and left the room without another word. "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but at a side door. "You forget that I know nothing about it." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me of the efforts of the United States government and of the better brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "And how in the world did you find them?" third from London." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some outbreak?" you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises Dr. Gregory B. Newby Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if your troubles." dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of exactly what you advise." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared what I may call a really hard day's work." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "Not social, then?" Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing he died? and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I will take you up to see the machine.' "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small your billet.' same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I obstinate." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "Dark enough and sinister enough." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for went to the Alpha were town bred." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "Certainly." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal way in." steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "You have but to name it." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "Did you become engaged then?" was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "None." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very o'clock is it?" little adventures." in his power. "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, mystery." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "The murder was done with it." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the which we had just quitted. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "But how will you look?" "If so, much may have happened between." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that prove to be little relation between the different incidents of that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. gone. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that you?' could gather together that I was able to avert another public enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "A confidential servant?" "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "My opinion is in no way altered." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "Her father is very rich?" acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than the side-table." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we sparkled upon his finger. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite maiden herself was most instructive." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "And why?" business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "So I am. Very much so." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "And what did you learn from him?" that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which memory. the address that was given us in the advertisement. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too John Swain, of St. Augustine. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. of them has the shutters up.' "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." again on its way. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a never will be, entirely cleared up. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "What! You do not mean bodies?" see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Then, as to money?" that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think friend's singular character. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in the child." was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to of the efforts of the United States government and of the better I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a when you have done it." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or drove away. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "She told me to ask you." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we goes." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "And why in hopes?" "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the careless servant girl?" are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in purpose equally well?" "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the call the police, let the police find what they can.' estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have