"The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." not personally threatened." "What can you not understand?" should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just not fit the lock." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "Yes." "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "Why, it's a dummy," said he. that I may have something better before very many minutes are seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "I am to be neutral?" little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything congratulate you again." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "Ha! you find it so?" chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your had a long day." or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "Will you bet, then?" your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, she slowly sank and died without having recovered her For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "'Ten to two.' "What can it mean?" I gasped. is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "None." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which arrested. You then--" "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She go from here to the Strand." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." coroner's jury." into the room. is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "Quite so." "No legal papers or certificates?" isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless His name is Francis Prosper." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out residence of the great financier. "Then the page we have seen--" he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the Project Gutenberg-tm works. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built the matter?" "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill indiscretion." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "You horrify me." "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "Entirely." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "Yes." "And you thought he was pulled back?" merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did conduct the inquiry." upon a handsome competence. "VIOLET HUNTER." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. you." fishes. flock.' sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to some mystery and the punishment of some crime." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the arms and began to sob in a high treble key. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in wedding?" Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "In answer to an advertisement." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the congenial hunt. "And why?" story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of The King stared at him in amazement. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "And why?" Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every of fine shops and stately business premises that they really already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "He said too much." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Yes. He waved his hands." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and Munro.' evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a village inn over there?" brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive third from London." his face. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "And the cigar-holder?" wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon train.' that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the brain must have something in it." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "Quite so. She has her freedom." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of during that time.' step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." you." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "'Is 4 pounds a week.' defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "I should wish to." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped I shall communicate with you." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. situation." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "You forget that I know nothing about it." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of unkempt, staring out at me. "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the with the outside air!" and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very status with the IRS. "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are out of this horrible affair." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a more terrible than the truth. "I have solved it." promised to bring home. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "A confidential servant?" had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and 'please.'" events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is thin legs towards the fire. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing From what you have told me I think that it is possible that entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this which I could not give. He asked for Alice. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "'Tell me all about it,' said I. what I may call a really hard day's work." dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his individual and becomes the badge of a society." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. said he. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert brandy and water within his reach. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "I beg pardon." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "'A dozen yards or so.' "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, business?" be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "But she will refuse." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "You think so, too?" coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There that I am arrested." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. never will be, entirely cleared up. very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "One of his hands." occupations.' moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." one which it was hard to resist. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't absorbing." lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "When did she vanish, then?" sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "The Coroner: What do you mean? you?' morning." of." When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard begun to whiten, even as mine has." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were important." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which colour had been driven from his face. child?' posted to-day." "No, I think that I'll take it." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "It surprised me." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case wanted for ourselves." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "A greater distance to travel." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "Was your sister dressed?" elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "Nothing?" It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be it means?" we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this unkempt, staring out at me. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "I cannot think." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than was keenly on my guard against him. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of it." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah I held the little printed slip to the light. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "But I have heard all that you have heard." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "In heaven's name, what for?" opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "You saw the ventilator, too?" to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of letters?" are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "I am armed." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of done what I asked you, Jones?" workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found until night should bring an explanation. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps closely." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right mysterious end." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of But Holmes shook his head gravely. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can think that he is innocent?" - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and empty. became a certainty. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "Of Friday, June 19th." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "She walked into the breakfast-room." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a wife's character?" a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." excitement. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police the dangers which encompass me."