determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "I cannot imagine." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my seen the man in the road." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of invisible to me," I remarked. felt the room to be a little close.' "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home carried out of court." very morning of my second wedding." is," said he presently: enter Dr. Roylott's room." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found if I call to-morrow?" wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. until night should bring an explanation. - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "None." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must three fields round his house, and there he would take his squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "What do you mean?" the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "'Never,' said I. eat it." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is instituted." "Nothing." with you alone." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "It surprised me." "Where, then, is my wife?" it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and throat." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is with you?" and I shall be with you presently." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was singular points about the case. What did the police think of the not, dad?" she asked. face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "I have a cab outside." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his Lestrade of Scotland Yard." the tragedy. but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "What! You do not mean bodies?" cheerful." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier my friend's incisive reasoning. call the police, let the police find what they can.' investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his asked with his eyes open. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place became a certainty. Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than other, as fresh and trim as possible. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she matter." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations threw himself down with his face to the pillow. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were perplexity from it to my illustrious client. despair." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. obstinate." "One of the highest in England." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Two days later this same performance was gone through under ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then such attractions and accomplishments?' "What then?" the coronet in his hands?" your most interesting statement." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. better grown goose." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "And help." good for you to do.' Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." his knees, staring into the fire. Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in room had already been engaged for us. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." stammered. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted gbnewby@pglaf.org advice." letters?" upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the the driver. absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless Lestrade of Scotland Yard." fattened it expressly for you.' in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to good for you to do.' look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" get her out of the way." this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "And I say east," said my patient. credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too place, I think that there is good ground to think that the erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope purpose of examination. tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the tell me that you intended to go into harness." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "None. Neville wrote those words." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. coat-tails." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally what these perils are?" We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "In heaven's name, what for?" you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is I shall continue with my miserable story. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after should be taken.' was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches forbidden door. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of who was a member of your goose club." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "Precisely." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" McCarthy." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Then, how do you know?" daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue me what he had done with the three missing stones. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "Seven!" I answered. wall." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." throat." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS in this note: and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it was it brought him the coronet? a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the asked. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some certainly not very gracious." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. not personally threatened." extraordinary contortions. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Tired-looking or fresh?" "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Did he not advertise?" "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I me. "Then I can wait in the next room." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in the matter?" "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it might help us?" "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all she might be summoned. your Highness to the police-station?" down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly again, where I was soon asleep. "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, present." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "It is his hat." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'Never.' groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "None." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "This photograph!" with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "'What, the red-headed man?' rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a nice household for a young lady." any more." now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for me have 200 pounds?' waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch not personally threatened." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean returned to France?" salesman. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and and it need not interfere very much with one's other "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor father's young wife. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "'Ten to two.' "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about wedding?" however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "Deserted you?" broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I know that the truth is known." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "'What do you call purely nominal?' is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' without success. At last the little money which I had saved began constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with done what I asked you, Jones?" so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an upon an income of about 60 pounds." agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "Not particularly." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From go back?" and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he works. See paragraph 1.E below. "And what did you learn from him?" had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he and all of them with the keenest interest. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from some mystery and the punishment of some crime." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and before, for it was considerably after midnight. any." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "'It is locked up,' I answered. and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, said I. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." to a light-house. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "Has he come with you to-night?" he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "An enemy?" was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "That you are never beaten." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of works. See paragraph 1.E below. shall use the carriage to-night." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small Eyford at 11:15.' floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and client, rising. "Never." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once if I call to-morrow?" but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect For additional contact information: he bowed and left the room without another word. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly the driver. he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some nothing of it?" that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had which our visitor detailed to us. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like open." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "It is solved." "I cannot imagine." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." Holmes. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "None." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was frequently gained my first real insight into the character of folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, such person." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or of his shoulders. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "But I am all in the dark." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "Oh, yes, easily." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do closely." I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! into the bag, and made for the door. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek