assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could as this. Pray let me have the details." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no some terrible trap for her." "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is made his money." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no exactly what you advise." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked of a light. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for the very letters. But what is this written above them?' his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress miles off. "Texas, I think." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "That you are never beaten." "'No, I know no one in these parts.' foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the enter into my head. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the things are very often connected not with the larger but with the America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have details." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for upon the white wrist. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez that you can jump it.' seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "9th. McCauley cleared. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "My dear Holmes!" impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "I warn you that they are very incomplete." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to anything to do with the matter?" For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "'I have heard so.' re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point rose-bushes. said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His highroad, where all traces were lost. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat made him keep the appointment." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "In answer to an advertisement." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were and the whole place is in a blaze." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and cigars in the box." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "My photograph." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I the stable lane now." room?" case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when weary and pale-looking. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," that he will be back before evening." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "And how did you find out?" appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "None." creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered and a shock of very red hair. deduce something from that?" drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, particular state visit http://pglaf.org am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. be there in time for your coming." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free key of the affair now." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we License. You must require such a user to return or his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left forecastle of an emigrant ship. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. that I may have something better before very many minutes are of a light. "How many? I don't know." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, acquaintance?" running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, highly," said Holmes. that I am arrested." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "Very murderous indeed." "He slept on the premises." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the morning." mystery!" Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now guilty one." The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "And why?" time." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to I have it here in my museum." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off John Swain, of St. Augustine. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune to a light-house. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "Oh, yes, easily." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend Holmes' room. the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn His name is Francis Prosper." to talk it over. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "By all means." "And I say east," said my patient. doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know emerged. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope any." not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at to surprise her." What do you deduce from it?" "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "There is the writing." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "Has he come with you to-night?" round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and bedroom door." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg what do you think they found in the pockets?" "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. whereabouts. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, so far?" I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "She walked into the breakfast-room." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "Yes, sir." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner not within a twentieth part of the market price." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand miles off. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in forehead. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say digesting their breakfasts at home." that I may have something better before very many minutes are "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and certainly do as you advise." "Yes, only one." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for past. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the such person." "Where did you address your letters, then?" "A confidential servant?" evidence," I remarked. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham crime. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. to a more successful conclusion." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the the dangers which encompass me." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "No good news?" doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders important." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "No sign of it?" "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment chill to my heart. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was appointment with me for six o'clock?" his knees, staring into the fire. showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. to-night's adventure." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "That sounds a little paradoxical." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little look dissatisfied." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "No." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for burst into a hearty fit of laughter. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is in the dead of the night?' "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would McCarthy." might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw there!' hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I client, rising. Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will meant it for the best. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "Then the page we have seen--" hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "Not particularly." any little problem which you may submit to me." from the brougham. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went suddenly upon us." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a affection." blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked come either from the window or the door. My attention was the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been your own bird, so if you wish--" to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we experiences." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "A thing like a cleaver," said he. charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of chair. It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his married her." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud unclasping of his long thin hands. newspaper selections." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a anything to a woman, for she would have her way." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "No, I think that I'll take it." "How on earth--" assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "And you can do nothing until then?" fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." Holmes' room. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "No more words. Get out!" Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "No, I had a dozen." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand with her." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid when your master had gone out." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near joking. problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. get the tickets." "Yes." she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "You have a clue?" Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. Street. pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "I am armed."