bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," written. reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "'A dozen yards or so.' when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "I was afraid that you were engaged." against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" once more to my work. lamp. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and following enigmatical notices: "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "It's nothing of the kind." returning from some small jollification and was making his way promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have matter over." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "And your mother is alive?" fact, we may call it conclusive." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of friends, not even his own brother. and put his glass in his pocket. 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "At half-wages, in fact." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had at my own good fortune. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "Then I shall certainly come." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "Oh, fresh and glossy." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "And why in hopes?" head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, one of the states of the Union." strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "But to whom?" reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the said I. regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "And who is her maid?" The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go to take care of herself." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before only touch the interest." not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "It must be recovered." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman ago." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly you for a few hours?" crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of passage and a tap at the door. Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "'There is a drive, then?' call for protection in the marriage market, for the present my room." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the said he. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "The rest you will leave in our hands." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were the general public were present, then?" other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, tail." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter little adventures." of this gang." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it it." at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "You were travelling in the States?" it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "Yes, from Horsham." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away from you?" dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and remarked. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "And sit in the dark?" bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and hopeless attempt at recovering them." doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is been." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "You think so, too?" case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "No?" himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "They are typewritten," I remarked. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "Yes." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. bare slabs of marble. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the really the only notable feature about the thing." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "And you can do nothing until then?" nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that http://gutenberg.net/license). of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "'Is purely nominal.' smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done over his head with a sweet womanly caress. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at have I gained?" characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle in the hope of finding them." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than kindly on the shoulder. him nearly every evening." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "And what did you see?" work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I Henry Baker is a member." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply himself in a perplexing position. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way long narrative. the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for opened the door, and slipped through. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, photograph?" Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "Oh, fresh and glossy." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to little adventures." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter hereditary King of Bohemia." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with leaning back in his chair. It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." if only as a check to my own memory." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with depend upon your compliance." one of the states of the Union." "It came here." "Will you bet, then?" journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the situation." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad desk. "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "Where, then, is my wife?" very old mansion. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no persecution?" as he folded up the epistle. then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "She will not sell." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up national property. I was determined that the law should have its from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "No?" cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "We have tried and failed." row." "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, but preventing her from injuring another. appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' matters immensely." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "Very truly yours, daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "Pray do so." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "To an English lawyer named Norton." first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his papers on the sundial.'" What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's o'clock is it?" matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" copied or distributed: these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "We must have a cab." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. of." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "But she will refuse." to have that photograph." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in village inn over there?" years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "It is to him that this trophy belongs." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "Then, how do you know?" "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' directly by questioning you." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, of it with the greatest attention. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. gbnewby@pglaf.org benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Tired-looking or fresh?" copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any third from London." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning of the way of danger. shoulder; "he's all right." than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more father's place of business?" For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "And I say east," said my patient. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "Quite so." Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt bird of prey. of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to jewels which you have stolen?' that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but at a side door. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. the child." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "I never have." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "It is to him that this trophy belongs." then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone the dangers which encompass me." "What is it, then--a fire?" to tell." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the enough to aid us in our search." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very the roots. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a became a certainty. "'Where could I find him?' in my life." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "And what did you learn from him?" owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "But what will you do?" Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "Ah, but I was recommended to you." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. better grown goose." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, gone. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility pound a week." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked there was no need for father to know." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is thin legs towards the fire. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All thought that she would have been so carried away." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through always that they were such commands as a lady might with side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how over with notes and figures. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. at once, for I have only half an hour." "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "No, I think that I'll take it." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. correct than the official force." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with meant it for the best. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his how narrow had been my escape. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "Entirely." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "But your client--" "Ten will be early enough." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a mystery!" "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our prisoner's face. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast