where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "Thank you. Pray proceed." dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me chemical work which was so dear to him. business came to an end." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the October 9, 1890. with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a prison!" would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he His smile broadened. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no Street. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "This photograph!" loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, lost nothing by them." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "About a month then." given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking was used.' you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of Again Holmes raved in the air. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "It is a murder, then?" became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have that, and I came down." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "Which surely he restored to their owner?" twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, cigars in their mouths. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "What have you to say now?" from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the written. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I any more." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the heavy and sharp instrument." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "And what did you see?" a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "You think so, too?" before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where good for you to do.' quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client than was visible to me." the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. works. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to light and attacked it." "I will try. What is it?" "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "Then you may entirely rely on me." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning recall any case within my experience which looked at the first the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Nothing." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and this poor creature." obstinate." fat-encircled eyes. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for be sorry for having acted so harshly." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled triumphant cloud from his cigarette. and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. might help us?" that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and figure." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the the so-precious time, but come!' adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant chair. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that Literary Archive Foundation remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned take the flies, but not before." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged an introduction to him?" there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." relief. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late you?" down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "Nothing?" imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "Your French gold?" 1.E.9. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon writing, and yet I know it well." "Yes." such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, locked. "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the certainly not very gracious." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. is," said he presently: The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Certainly." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached locked." "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. excitement. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of is now desirous of getting those letters back." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so over part of the map. "What do you read?" suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before presented which may be striking and bizarre without being in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From locked." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he once more on the important position which you have been fortunate have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day the side-table." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "It is his hat." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. 1.F. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal furiously. call you and give you the chance." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man better grown goose." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "Was the window open?" 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and again on its way. Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all sparkled upon his finger. "'Stolen!' he cried. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other gives a meaning to it." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "Have you it here?" "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove to-night?" I asked. freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "And your mother is alive?" that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar we went to search for him, face downward in a little train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "10th. John Swain cleared. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less outsides of the windows. would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and fuss that is made over them." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed politicians who had been sent down from the North. in the hope of finding them." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "'And the work?' "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. them, and came down just as you departed. The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the mysterious business." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "Do you know him?" collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "But you were on a friendly footing?" "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "What! Had he lost his wife?" "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "And Miss Sutherland?" that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the do." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. than to us. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "I say that I have solved it." "It was an hour's good drive." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "And leave your case unfinished?" There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was the roots. I. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "When did she vanish, then?" urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "On your arm?" steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "I came to find a friend." prison!" conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in remarked. flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been than to us. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." said I. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "Of Friday, June 19th." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by promised to bring home. of Fenchurch Street." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the o'clock is it?" so far?" All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was friends, not even his own brother. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "And what did you learn from him?" "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been away into the river." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "In the cells." "How did that help you?" saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your there!' conversation I have gathered that they have been married about beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "Yes." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no depend upon my doing so.' sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect lids now and glanced across at his visitor. the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when like gravel from a pit.' The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham in one or two places in England?' "Quite so. She has her freedom." test if we have an answer to our advertisement." conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "Where, then, is my wife?" "At half-wages, in fact." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Just look it up, then." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?"