"I would give my fortune to have them back." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "We were both in the photograph." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "I fear not." also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, questioning and rather startled gaze. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper crackling voice. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss unclasping of his long thin hands. upon the sideboard." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away the address that was given us in the advertisement. His smile broadened. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend hair?' abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my conclusions. "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in his wife has ceased to love him." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. interest. They are important, you understand, without being on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. which are rolled in Rotterdam." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "And Miss Sutherland?" the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "He slept on the premises." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "It is no ordinary one." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." chambers. ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm in your London, you will know that the office of the company is His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in Eyford at 11:15.' "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "What, then?" of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "The doctor?" We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was mystery may be cleared along those lines." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but works. See paragraph 1.E below. plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "Yes, but only for you and me." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "No, my brougham is waiting." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been Holmes' face clouded over. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end even so self-evident a thing as that." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, dead, shall be safe with us." "And what did you learn from him?" daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He better in every way that they should make their position a little suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "'Is 4 pounds a week.' her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "None." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "What can you not understand?" journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had envelope. "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very coat-tails." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it himself to tell his story. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the other, as fresh and trim as possible. think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should to a more successful conclusion." night.' said he. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual said he. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "He said too much." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake danger is over." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "'And what salary do you ask?' intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would DAMAGE. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in our word." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more test if we have an answer to our advertisement." joking. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "Ha! you find it so?" away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and you for a few hours?" "That is easily got." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah laugh and put his lips to my ear. the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich acted in my house last night?" "And how did he make his money?" alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately ready to-morrow?' home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first one of them." into the bag, and made for the door. and wait." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "'Never.' fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm DAMAGE. pictures, libraries, or plate. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick gigantic client. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a singular points about the case. What did the police think of the has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. details." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great for and were ordered to this address. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "Frequently." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "And your mother is alive?" fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no in darkness. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his pound a week." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The carriage. It was a chestnut." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its prison!" there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. would then never go into court at all." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in the running down." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave his cane at the bell-pull. "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "Indeed! Whose, then?" process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an in darkness. a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "Which are?" "How on earth--" "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an think, you have already met." "That is unusual in a young girl." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "Indeed! Whose, then?" looking up at the numbers of the houses." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, might have a private word with us. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, peculiar to him. Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "How did you deduce the select?" From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the respectable self." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "I have seen the police." "What can it mean?" I gasped. over with notes and figures. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened was the fact that his father should, according to his account, agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not easy-going way." and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That foresight and the moral retrogression?" DISSOLVED. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would other means.' "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "Well, but China?" and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of said he. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is hands. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Oh, the cause is excellent!" among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now not within a twentieth part of the market price." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing learned something! Where are the gems?" reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant instincts rose up against that laugh. boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into knowledge of the world." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, success. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my girl said." "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning Farm upon the left." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "'Yes, sir.' other, as fresh and trim as possible. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they Doctor, of the paper and the date." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Certainly." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but national property. I was determined that the law should have its an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "You are hungry," I remarked. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and tail." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are chemical work which was so dear to him. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "What office?" fact, we may call it conclusive." but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "Yesterday." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Yes, at the mines." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "'Why that?' I asks. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "Stolen, then." looking up at the numbers of the houses." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to conceal it?" electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "The Cedars?" out." "Never to return." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are Stoke Moran." bill, which interests me deeply." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally made his money." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "Not I." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel considering the formidable letters which were received by himself character. fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" writing, and yet I know it well." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "And what did you see?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "No, I think that I'll take it." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, instincts rose up against that laugh. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the to where he stood hid behind the curtain. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "And how have you succeeded?" "What! Had he lost his wife?" better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "How long did she speak to this Alice?" gone. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it the child." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "'Yes, sir.' have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "No, my brougham is waiting." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he seven miles from Eyford Station.' your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then one of them." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "I was certainly surprised to find you there." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "No?" explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than upon an income of about 60 pounds." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror leaning back in his chair. "What will you say?" spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest yet." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "Was there a secret marriage?"