"There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Will you bet, then?" "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will directors, with the result that you have seen." before, for it was considerably after midnight. to have been novel and of interest." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform my little problems." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had unkempt, staring out at me. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would will take you up to see the machine.' This is what he says: prepare for the new role I have to play." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Nothing?" "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "'Certainly not.' England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he I took the paper from him and read as follows: seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of to take care of herself." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come off." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, newspaper selections." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the the child." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "There is the writing." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when dramatic, in fact." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have John Swain, of St. Augustine. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning married her." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with should be so warm over such a trifle." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when ways of our fellow-men." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad so.' "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an thirty. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely examine." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, bell. Holmes whistled. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "That is also quite modern," said the lady. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He companion imperturbably. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters lost nothing by them." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull retorted upon me, and I on you." in his hands." directors, with the result that you have seen." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "I cannot say that I have." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "Well?" game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "And now?" I asked. "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "'Never,' said I. the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and to some other building. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss how narrow had been my escape. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of bled considerably." Dr. Gregory B. Newby look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "You heard nothing yourself last night?" the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "And Miss Sutherland?" "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us next day. the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "Thank you. And your address?" what I may call a really hard day's work." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work read it out to me." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "It came here." without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "That is it on the dressing-table." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind side. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom throat." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood recall any case within my experience which looked at the first me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned breakfast and whispered something to her husband. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly into the bag, and made for the door. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and the nursery. hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I My friend smiled. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be man. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." one of them." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "Absolutely none." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it my former friend and companion. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I ourselves in the office." "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in tell me that you intended to go into harness." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "I would pay ten." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "No." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which or other trace. But how on earth--" go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and point in the dark hollow of his hand. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing crime." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "I am to be neutral?" think, you have already met." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's of campaign. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "And from a noble client?" of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining went to the Alpha were town bred." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about asked. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That compunction about shooting them down." in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may to that open window." acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel morning." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I and all of them with the keenest interest. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest of them has the shutters up.' engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "Why? What do you mean?" had this final quarrel? bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "It's nothing of the kind." letters?" him." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a late." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. soul! here is her carriage at the door." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered prepare for the new role I have to play." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an from you?" and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we your co-operation." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought night.' said he. "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two stepfather?" have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my as the one I chose?' that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." Where does the thing come from?' "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "Was there a secret marriage?" some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. fashion which was peculiar to him. everything which you would wish to know." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of in the port of London." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "What! You do not mean bodies?" sound at heart." such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Never." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." suddenly upon us." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm several quiet little villages up there." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I paper in the air. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my to affect your life." road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "And now?" He raised his hand. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "'I have heard so.' "But what harm can there be in that?" I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, appeal." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "Breckinridge is his name." the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "How did you trace it, then?" And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client Henry Baker is a member." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can the coronet in his hand?" "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning up this clue while it is still hot." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "Yes, that is the Crown." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having weigh very heavily upon my conscience." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in politicians who had been sent down from the North. suggested at once that there must be a communication between the aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter suggested at once that there must be a communication between the that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we train from Paddington which would bring you there at about his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "'Certainly,' I answered. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "'And the work?' down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "'Where could I find him?' "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, detained." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of to go into your room and bar your shutters?" appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "But he might be a bachelor." "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, important." information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "Yes, that is the Crown." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on of receipt of the work.