when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which the devil!" "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "Did he not advertise?" pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. astonishment. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all be best to do. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with nothing with him." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "We have tried and failed." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "That is also quite modern," said the lady. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it to have been novel and of interest." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "'Ample.' murdered man." "Did you become engaged then?" clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "What do you make of that, Watson?" quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is future lives." towards the blaze. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that brain must have something in it." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." 1.F. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may other, as fresh and trim as possible. second." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with shall not find me ungrateful." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk interests were the same as his." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "It is very clear." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "ARAT," I read. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per Street. crime." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge his cane at the bell-pull. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are hopeless attempt at recovering them." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "I have a cab outside." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress whatever might befall. girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes not fit the lock." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his burst into a hearty fit of laughter. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a ways including including checks, online payments and credit card tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was introspective fashion. and looked back. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped the loss of it. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond about. "Oh, fresh and glossy." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. lamp. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "What! You do not mean bodies?" "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "One of the highest in England." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil your bag." careless servant girl?" poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "Certainly." forehead. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. business." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "Yes, that is the Crown." bonnet, and went out." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very outsides of the windows. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." approach us with offers to donate. to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a be best to do. license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint I shall continue with my miserable story. to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain green of the new foliage. "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that Gutenberg-tm License. revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running maiden herself was most instructive." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to his grey eyes. "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "'Yes, sir.' "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud October 9, 1890. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his way in everything. inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a Literary Archive Foundation "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "He disappeared so suddenly." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "This concluded the examination of the witness." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden Literary Archive Foundation without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "'And the work?' "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking three of the beryls in it, was missing. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "Did you observe the colour?" "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window would apply.' the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that own family. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the during which he might have communicated with his friend the "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little your most interesting statement." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door upon the shelf for the interim." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and exactly what you advise." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. is four-and-twenty." man. a very grave face. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "We must have a cab." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and humiliation." and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock the bottom.' while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend be best to do. unprofitable." Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just to that open window." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" into the bag, and made for the door. "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation What do you deduce from it?" in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never not use it unless it is absolutely needed." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. drawing your inferences." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their purpose of examination. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "Yes, he did." "I am to be neutral?" 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they means taking possession of that which another person has a prior been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the was already answered. "Where, then, is my wife?" "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to was it brought him the coronet? of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "But to whom?" have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "Stoke Moran?" said he. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, will not take me long to tell. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. indeed happy." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand other, as fresh and trim as possible. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the really the only notable feature about the thing." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. the ceiling. himself to tell his story. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the golden eyeglasses. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "Holmes, the busybody!" "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 as noiselessly as she had come. derbies." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than is so. I know all about McCarthy." gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look License. You must require such a user to return or I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." me. You must get home instantly and act." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me to-night's adventure." violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "My private note-paper." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the tear off another piece?' wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the woven round him. of his shoulders. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "Then the page we have seen--" following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "I see no marks." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "'Quite sure, dad.' case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be flock.' "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "In heaven's name, what for?" Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as coroner's jury." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "And what did you see?" Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for comes from the middle window." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands emerged. imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I the Friday. Was it to be in church?" my special province." Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I delighted to hear it," he said. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, one of them." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just better grown goose." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "Not yet." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "'Is purely nominal.' chambers. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "'Then let me do so?' where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "It is possible." "Nothing." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "But his left-handedness." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "Yes, he did." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, sit on the left-hand side of the driver." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were have an American origin." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring