upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning thought that she would have been so carried away." "It is half-past ten now." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "I have a cab outside." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "My dear Holmes!" the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: noting anything else of interest. zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "It is half-past ten now." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign simple cases which are so extremely difficult." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. rat could hardly pass through." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade over his head with a sweet womanly caress. unprecedented a position." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "He said too much." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "And you can do nothing until then?" ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. pressing in one house as in another. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "Proceed, then." "You know me, then?" "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman and files of the old papers, following the future career of every Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we manager. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of away in different directions, and I went off to make my own dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "Will you bet, then?" you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small weighed down with some great anxiety. too. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I the stones. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, appeal." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster round and wave him away like that.' I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of waste of energy." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs little trying to do so much typewriting?" of a light. to-night's adventure." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were you." "Yesterday." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "And what then?" "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker said he. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly wedding?" reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "None." waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he was a lad." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "I promise," said Holmes. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "On the contrary, this is the right side." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but has little to do with my story." even of instruction." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, the Assizes." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was to tell." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "But you have hopes?" outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the walking." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "It goes to the housekeeper's room." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the case before our client came into the room." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most without a word or a look. "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "'I am sure that I do not know.' This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" you?" "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small too. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "The King of Scandinavia." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "I have hopes." absorbing." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us there." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly charge against him will break down." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. south, for the country is more deserted there." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "She showed me, as I told you she would." his face. own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some McCarthy's innocence. not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. him to go away.' "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the his wife has ceased to love him." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, fatally injured? and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "What I expected to see." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at garden below. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock arrangements." wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "What then?" whatever might befall. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "He said that you could solve anything." Count Von Kramm." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been of Fenchurch Street." "One of his hands." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Oh, yes, easily." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of will take you up to see the machine.' frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, my special province." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" depend upon your compliance." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster voice. "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, III. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp question. had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say interest. They are important, you understand, without being she might be summoned. "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "Won't it ring?" matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' at my remark. to you." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw kind enough to tell me what I should do." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. charged with?" "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar This is what he says: One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and beyond words. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress the morning and make my own way in the world.' "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. be. taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to I was concerned in it." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "My dear Holmes!" "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply beg that you will break it off." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the arms and began to sob in a high treble key. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must that, and I came down." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but sofa. This way, please!" bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood investigation." though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: his eyes and forehead. matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I them, and came down just as you departed. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "But your client--" cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "Look there!" said he. late!' "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "By train from Waterloo." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak client, rising. shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to do." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to overpowering excitement and concern. deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and envelope. "Precisely." Where does the thing come from?' you understand?" someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the your Highness to the police-station?" "I will, Miss Turner." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different Holmes rather sternly. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "'What, the red-headed man?' once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you strength of mind to control. and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his Where does the thing come from?' starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his once more for Briony Lodge. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. chambers. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady galvanised. public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "Yes, it was twisted." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow his fortune, and I went back to pa. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled from the brougham. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me foot. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to father's place of business?" "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear presume?" and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she the dangers which encompass me." a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "I have a cab outside." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "'No, I know no one in these parts.' solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "My own seal." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his of his shoulders. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father Holmes. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In rose-bushes. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "Why, it's a dummy," said he. pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more writers could invent nothing more crude." "You are all wrong." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" imbecility!" he cried. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "Eh? What was that?" "You are all wrong." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we tapping his fingers upon the table. London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay."