roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "And how in the world did you find them?" building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a occurred." through." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I Eyford." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help like that before?" your troubles." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you manager. of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the address. I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are noble correspondent could be. upon the white wrist. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how Does that suggest anything?" "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that behind me. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "Entirely." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had the dangers which encompass me." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "I see many objections to any such theory." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and bachelor.' As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such chair. Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "It is a murder, then?" them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I looking up at the numbers of the houses." "But what is it you wish?" at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." together. look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: key of the affair now." ways of our fellow-men." shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which children over to America with him, so that I found myself without obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "Stolen, then." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "Stoke Moran?" said he. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed there were so many in the whole country as were brought together agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "And who is her maid?" be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "My dear Holmes!" after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Perhaps I have." Clair, of Lee." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little Munro.' dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend leaning back in his chair. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of when your master had gone out." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the question," said Holmes, smiling. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Upon what point?" fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, of receipt of the work. him to be an active member of the medical profession." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "None." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less 'I should be able to look after that for you.' see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "I came to find a friend." "Nothing?" may never be exposed to such a temptation." Holmes' room. "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and three fields round his house, and there he would take his wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "Do you know him?" Pope's Court. look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were hardly wander." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his outbreak?" "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the round and wave him away like that.' thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is upon an income of about 60 pounds." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. it right.' Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" any little problem which you may submit to me." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "Not in a good cause." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "To the police?" indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, charged with?" whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, cup of tea. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads attention." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than that before taking the final step I should like to submit the seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "Tired-looking or fresh?" distance from the station, and there we found the young lady of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "But I have heard all that you have heard." occurred." yourselves in at night?" "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "9th. McCauley cleared. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "Certainly." "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side into her hand at the door and which lured her within their the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." must be when I saw the door open.' not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "What then?" has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Your sister is dead, then?" invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or country, and eventually married, without anyone having a or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those to surprise her." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "A confidential servant?" "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my http://www.gutenberg.net since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought should be so warm over such a trifle." thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "We have tried and failed." gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I any more." "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not three of the beryls in it, was missing. whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their them?" framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon as this. Pray let me have the details." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage where she found matters as described by the last witness. "There are none." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when locked. There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, would then never go into court at all." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." fact, we may call it conclusive." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. DISSOLVED. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang not personally threatened." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "Yes." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots shadow pass over his face as I spoke. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the suspect him." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "Yes, from Horsham." sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass Chief Executive and Director "Your presence might be invaluable." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "No, I had a dozen." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "But we can't all be." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. window when the police appeared." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest province." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until such person." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and imbecility!" he cried. public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of plantation.' parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this the so-precious time, but come!' but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "I am all attention, madam." for its centre. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "'And what salary do you ask?' "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It to surprise her." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon business at Coburg Square is serious." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "Of what day?" an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could cigars in the box." I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' he died? points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was behind me. and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "And now?" I asked. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all before, for it was considerably after midnight. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough dramatic, in fact." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally main points of my analysis." light and attacked it." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have row." help us in this matter." words came to my lips. "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "I have my revolver," said I. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns suddenly upon us." of Fenchurch Street." road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "I warn you that they are very incomplete." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these recover the gem." breakfast and whispered something to her husband. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "That's no good." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "But she could not love him." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable