rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. night.' said he. possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "But how did you gain them?" mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "How can you tell that?" showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out something of him before." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the already been minutely examined." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, all that?" betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "I don't believe it." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern been deceived." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose so far?" our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the ready to-morrow?' word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "I fear not." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "In heaven's name, what for?" you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making Holmes' thin, eager face. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "Yes." "By no means." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' reach." and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would tear off another piece?' wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone appeared upon the scene." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as him. "9th. McCauley cleared. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "Well, it is a possible supposition." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the annoyance, but no jest. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a delighted to hear it," he said. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no of receipt of the work. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the forehead. "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "Have you her photograph?" Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event awkward doing business with an alias." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, more solid." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been of the way of danger. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two sufficient punishment." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing your co-operation." extraordinary contortions. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Well, but China?" "Then you may entirely rely on me." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring voice. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of my little problems." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and lids now and glanced across at his visitor. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the sake, don't!" inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Nothing." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the questionable one." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six think that any burglar could have done. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a in the hope of finding them." a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just States. We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to strode off upon his way. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of as this. Pray let me have the details." "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "You have it, sir, just as it happened." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of suggested at once that there must be a communication between the went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "In which, sir?" "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my it means?" "Yes." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it never came back." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, information in his hands the value of which he did not himself told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done existence." "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from his wife has ceased to love him." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything business in the City. She little knew what. the King without delay." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "Well." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her your co-operation." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." in my life." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or the date of his supposed suicide." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "Tired-looking or fresh?" established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, was lame." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the think you a quite exceptional woman." To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the might help us?" house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I the iron safe, which he closed upon it. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had second window is the one that I jumped from." villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "In which, sir?" sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed nice household for a young lady." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that place no limit on the sum I may draw." I. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Precisely." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "Yes, it would be as well." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the and all of them with the keenest interest. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "And how have you succeeded?" "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm case-book, which he consulted. have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "I guessed as much." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all Eyford." only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "But I am all in the dark." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary a suggestive one." I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in Stoke Moran." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. will take you up to see the machine.' coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside arrested. You then--" test if we have an answer to our advertisement." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day memory. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a child?' too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "My dear Holmes!" day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." him and tried to hold him back. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the since then to throw any light upon what became of him." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and see a sister of mine apply for." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there yet." rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross rat could hardly pass through." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "Your presence might be invaluable." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "Why did you beat the pavement?" return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his woman." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached get the tickets." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will down. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "How did you deduce the select?" dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "I say that I have solved it." "What of the rat, then?" "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect most interesting one." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he to have that photograph." help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" said I. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to you came in." farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the past. must compliment you." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such business matters.' more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while prisoner's face. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. examine." walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be key turn in the lock." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such crime." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated him and tried to hold him back. work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & entirely devoid of interest." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "Can I be of assistance?" "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire disturbance in my wife." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a which it had come upon my father." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "You have but to name it." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "Yesterday." hardly wander." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, yourselves in at night?" noting anything else of interest. "But you can know nothing of this?" which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "I will not look." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with beyond words. There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in second window is the one that I jumped from." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm directors have had misgivings upon the subject." foot. again before evening." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity particular state visit http://pglaf.org manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Proceed, then." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "10th. John Swain cleared. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think Eyford." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "And from a noble client?" drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "What steps will you take?" I asked. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or you." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. and put his glass in his pocket. conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "My dear Holmes!" "And how?" residence of the great financier. that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus