"'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "I am following you closely," I answered. my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat taking in every detail of the apartment. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "But you were on a friendly footing?" you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have thought that she would have been so carried away." I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions and the church but not where the lady lived." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but to affect your life." may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to way: ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Then you may entirely rely on me." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple paper in the air. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "Yesterday." intrusion of other matters." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "I came to find a friend." what do you think they found in the pockets?" flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately room?" presented which may be striking and bizarre without being The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was III. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "That is unusual in a young girl." possible that we could bring him back to her? them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the of receipt of the work. was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind I. shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "But he might be a bachelor." of a light. "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his man. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I has little to do with my story." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been directors, with the result that you have seen." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy of them has the shutters up.' Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick the room while you explain this matter?" the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which question," said Holmes, smiling. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "Then you may be so with me." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a read it out to me." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "How are you getting on?" believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "And it is--" against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't awkward doing business with an alias." once more to my work. main points of my analysis." The King stared at him in amazement. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "But your client--" "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a upon the shelf for the interim." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "Stoke Moran?" said he. Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "What! You do not mean bodies?" round with crates and massive boxes. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That of his shoulders. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed main points of my analysis." dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. read it out to me." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's papers diligently of late, have you not?" for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "To an English lawyer named Norton." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital possible that we could bring him back to her? and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that companion quietly. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there child?' beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "It surprised me." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "No more words. Get out!" circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "My Mary? Impossible!" wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we matter." time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so tapping his fingers upon the table. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "The Cedars?" father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' to a light-house. "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could The summons was a brief and urgent one. should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "There is the writing." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the derbies." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond me. You must get home instantly and act." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my you for a few hours?" man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "No sign of it?" Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Upon what point?" rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP the inner apartment." confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all who was a member of your goose club." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, the matter." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "I see many objections to any such theory." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is there!' "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the to-night's adventure." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not His smile broadened. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice stammered. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way villagers almost as much as their master. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is the south-west, I see." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon all?" "We must have a cab." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel companion. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and nonsense.' you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "'I shall certainly be there.' adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "In heaven's name, what for?" "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the the loss of it. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while pierced for earrings?" money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all strength of mind to control. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "I warn you that they are very incomplete." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the have I gained?" was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "I would pay ten." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "Not particularly." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a lost nothing by them." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. down from London to inquire more deeply into it." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, whatever might befall. street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. tell him that I know him to be innocent." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a before the coroner and the police-court." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact written, and locked the door of the office after me. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his some water from a caraffe. "What! a murderous attack?" central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. only touch the interest." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her noting anything else of interest. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "Who by?" other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates said he. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Yes?" "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "Tired-looking or fresh?" already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "It is to him that this trophy belongs." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "You have it, sir, just as it happened." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out entirely devoid of interest." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "But who is he?" "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while me upon any point which I do not make clear." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project do.' called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. ceremony." Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a never to learn it at all." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these from you?" "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "She told me to ask you." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, affair. "I have seen the police." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was one of the states of the Union." wedding?" a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "My dear Holmes!" as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: true." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had off." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. Eyford at 11:15.' no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "'What would be the hours?' I asked. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "Not particularly." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But