during the last few years, and there are many noble families to those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary locked." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very most important business. It is probable that he will be away all sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I call it cruel." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with without a word or a look. have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close detective. "No, I am descending." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "9th. McCauley cleared. rose-bushes. "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me back to my heart. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry be best to do. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. prisoner's face. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" taking in every detail of the apartment. "Then how many are there?" he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that ran thus: another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "You did not overhear what they said?" credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. his forehead." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he before the coroner and the police-court." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the appeared upon the scene." "And your mother is alive?" "And how have you succeeded?" the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of point our research must commence, and we will begin it by is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss considering the formidable letters which were received by himself newspaper selections." carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "'I am sure that I do not know.' soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "But he might be a bachelor." destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "Never to return." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. there is a decided draught." crime." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "Breckinridge is his name." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "A thing like a cleaver," said he. feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "Because he was handy and would come cheap." business in the City. She little knew what. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "Yes, sir." against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; me what he had done with the three missing stones. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and to have that photograph." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "It is his hat." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and little trying to do so much typewriting?" his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very fact, we may call it conclusive." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have it. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the official police." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." means taking possession of that which another person has a prior became a certainty. "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "You saw the ventilator, too?" however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the Project Gutenberg-tm works. little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced him. quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether one of them." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "And now?" I asked. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "I don't say that. Perhaps." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? gone before you can get him to hospital." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Will you go?" may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the over with notes and figures. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our singular points about the case. What did the police think of the coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen it." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she bore every mark of being an average commonplace British wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is him and tried to hold him back. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "It goes to the housekeeper's room." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Certainly." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does examine." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." three fields round his house, and there he would take his unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "Ah, but I was recommended to you." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all been shamefully used." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "You have carte blanche." "And who is her maid?" "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that would apply.' creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "Yes, he did." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and in the dead of the night?' room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain remarked. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "And why in hopes?" child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing hardly wander." way in." the matter?" Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is I was concerned in it." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it the inquest, and which are worth considering." "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Yes, certainly." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent attention." see me here to avoid scandal." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "No. What a strange idea!" 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." status with the IRS. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret brain must have something in it." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "My dear Holmes!" mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. lamp in his hand. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." ago." "I would give my fortune to have them back." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "Yes." what is your own theory as to what took place?" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "That is easily got." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson I shall continue with my miserable story. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face off." and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "In answer to an advertisement." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in business?" circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "VIOLET HUNTER." with her." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found green of the new foliage. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face beg that you will break it off." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She the station." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "Perhaps I have." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has but preventing her from injuring another. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "Witness: I must still refuse. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is roused himself from his reverie. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "Her father is very rich?" safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every felt?" was a loud and authoritative tap. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "You will not go there first?" "'Which dealer's?' "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "But you were on a friendly footing?" enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you presented more singular features than that which was associated I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I go back?" Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, gone before you can get him to hospital." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and that there was nothing in it, after all." confronted him. the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his habit of advancing money.' the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved will he say when he returns?" know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's to talk it over. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "Do you receive much company?" he asked. wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" photograph a cabinet?" that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I of a light. roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "'Yes, sir.' more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the true." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "Here?" national property. I was determined that the law should have its "'Certainly not. But why?' may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Perhaps we may make them less so." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen http://www.gutenberg.net in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "And the murderer?" the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "Yes." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will upon the sideboard." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is purpose equally well?" were new raised from a basin. "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "'What are you doing there?' he asked. stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the His name is Francis Prosper." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new be there in time for your coming." country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the away to you." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. more terrible than the truth. had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "'Never,' said I. unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who Holmes' thin, eager face. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he neither fascinating nor artistic." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in extraordinary contortions. would then never go into court at all." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "'I shall certainly be there.' and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for there." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "'Stolen!' he cried. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "Precisely so. But how--" how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "What then?" France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to ill-usage at the hands of fortune. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "You did not overhear what they said?" arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right at home. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to weary and pale-looking. had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not indeed happy." at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. to have that photograph." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were his finger-tips together, to listen to her story.