"Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official he bowed and left the room without another word. nothing of it?" "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, some city in a dream. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I papers." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that husband's writing, madam." very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would works. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my what is your own theory as to what took place?" over his head with a sweet womanly caress. and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again of them has the shutters up.' we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. the stones. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some at my remark. together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on hour?' "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "Pray be precise as to details," said he. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." you in your example." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "Well, some hundreds of times." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have and files of the old papers, following the future career of every in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are James Windibank. Voilà tout!" the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "This photograph!" It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "It was an hour's good drive." "I should wish to." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came outsides of the windows. flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "What then?" all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as so.' here." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his congenial hunt. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "But what harm can there be in that?" opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the one else, I think." hard-headed British jury." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and and looked back. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and problems help me to do so." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: I shall continue with my miserable story. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. question you as to those details which seem to me to be most here and I will read it to you: o'clock is it?" de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be way in everything. "I will not look." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. answer." meant." that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had I shall communicate with you." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid habit of advancing money.' province." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "Ha! you find it so?" At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "Holmes, the busybody!" those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really wife's character?" "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "My dear Holmes!" in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "'And what salary do you ask?' "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from Count Von Kramm." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, bachelor.' is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on way: responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" and that he would see to anything that turned up. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "Pray let us have it, for all that." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their house for five minutes.' glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "I saw her in conversation with her maid." that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" photograph a cabinet?" "Yes, from Horsham." "What can it mean?" I gasped. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. gbnewby@pglaf.org It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and unprofitable." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman gone. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. flock.' my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "But it has twice been burgled." road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? along the entire front of the house, with three long windows fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local his face which made him a very different person to the round, "Thank you. And your address?" all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. the Assizes." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an You can understand that this register and diary may implicate and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his which are rolled in Rotterdam." arrested. You then--" She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "Nothing." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices fat-encircled eyes. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "I will get her to show me." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been what is your own theory as to what took place?" "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even lumber-room." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are hardly wander." "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. meanly of me." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "When did it break out?" "What office?" Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your congenial hunt. "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you man. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" there!' to his chemical studies. "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I signal between you and your father? mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord stalked out of the room. "His face fell immediately. outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. upon a handsome competence. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do look dissatisfied." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." was it brought him the coronet? to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making enter Dr. Roylott's room." followed. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that she to prove their authenticity?" servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you jewels which you have stolen?' thirty. has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "ARAT," I read. of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able husband's writing, madam." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "Stolen." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. row." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "About a month then." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "Absolutely?" and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing an introduction to him?" "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "Always." of Fenchurch Street." when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not went to the Alpha were town bred." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "In what way?" asked Holmes. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the green of the new foliage. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a again on its way. also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut You want to know what became of those geese?" certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what chair. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made newspaper selections." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite amused." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter dear old homesteads?" important." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." our word." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "By no means." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "None." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and Holmes. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the back alive. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "Why, what do you mean?" "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had because she had spent so short a time in this country that she entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "I would give my fortune to have them back." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of have been better. It is all right." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you all-comprehensive glances. the warnings." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "Very. But will he see it?" violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." was not a bird to be seen there. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "Ten will be early enough." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two shoulder; "he's all right." mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four without a word or a look. do.' three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "Come in!" said he. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." exactly what you advise." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "I will get her to show me." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the