closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "Witness: I must still refuse. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "'How far from the body?' your billet.' seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A when you have done it." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, the coronet in his hand?" Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was must compliment you." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." once more for Briony Lodge. rose-bushes. may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. could not account in any way for the presence of the missing upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "What can it mean?" I gasped. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "'A dozen yards or so.' America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his or other trace. But how on earth--" gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "And did you observe any change in her then?" awkward doing business with an alias." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. details." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing recover the gem." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both hands. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "Did you observe the colour?" between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "What do you mean?" "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said and capable of preserving a secret.' enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come swore that no one else had been in the front room during the came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "Ample." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an confronted him. nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six present." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "It was." never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up room?" face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the wife's character?" including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb you." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "To an English lawyer named Norton." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. be sorry for having acted so harshly." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the held up the lantern and gazed about him. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "And help." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "Stolen, then." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this maiden herself was most instructive." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the the matter." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "His face fell immediately. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "One of the highest in England." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent Holmes' face clouded over. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the client, rising. "By train from Waterloo." my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his once more for Briony Lodge. I shall communicate with you." the best of training." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "You heard nothing yourself last night?" have been better. It is all right." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of shag which I had seen upon the previous night. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be have accepted such a situation. "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much ago." "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he which should have the effect of calling the attention of the together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "You heard nothing yourself last night?" we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very see a sister of mine apply for." 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "At half-wages, in fact." trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than directly by questioning you." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged second." third from London." look upon these things in a different way." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it so far?" it." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "The King of Scandinavia." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to matter." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly have been better. It is all right." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Your presence might be invaluable." attention." gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third congratulate you again." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in arrangements." whether it answered to the description of any of their "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to way: place no limit on the sum I may draw." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced chill to my heart. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my might help us?" so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very certainly not very gracious." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they secret." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. completely overtopped every other consideration that we both the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the these bleak autumnal evenings." intrusion of other matters." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey way in everything. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I will he say when he returns?" "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "How did that help you?" would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning very peculiar words of the dying woman?" is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might along the entire front of the house, with three long windows and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "Then how many are there?" tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "Dark enough and sinister enough." about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "'Where could I find him?' which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a could go. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" handed it to him. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell country, and eventually married, without anyone having a bill, which interests me deeply." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "But of what society?" top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "How often?" clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband all that?" bearing upon the case." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same constraint." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "'Not at all. I only doubt--' heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a front of the hall door has given its name to the place. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood chambers. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "May I see it?" the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a business came to an end." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. burst out into a roar of laughter. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "Stolen." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day felt the room to be a little close.' "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had such attractions and accomplishments?' lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, problems help me to do so." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "I was sure that I might rely on you." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "What then?" eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. to arrive at through this?" some water from a caraffe. in the hope of finding them." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." long narrative. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to nothing with him." it." to-night's adventure." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old this truth that in these little records of our cases which you than was visible to me." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my which was all perfectly true. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "But how did you gain them?" "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "You forget that I know nothing about it." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found against a man in the prime of life?" tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "But what is it you wish?" Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in case-book, which he consulted. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of had formerly been in part my own. himself. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "I have solved it." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" prisoner's face. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the the loss of it. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at examine." "But how will you look?" of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "He is still with you, I presume?" upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who followed. years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and during which he might have communicated with his friend the of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too business matters.' red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "But of what society?" be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs power." morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. never will be, entirely cleared up. "I am still in the dark." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "Not yet." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that the best of training." society." "'Stolen!' he cried. "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "It is possible." arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to bird of prey. sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same fuss that is made over them." time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the you." road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "And now?" I asked. legal crime." This is what he says: "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "Nothing?" misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he October 9, 1890. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "Then how many are there?" quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off tassel actually lying upon the pillow. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a interested in these little problems, and since you are good Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' them, and came down just as you departed. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that about. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. Watson," he said cordially. written, and locked the door of the office after me. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just States. his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "On Monday." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their without success. At last the little money which I had saved began questionable one." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted money should be paid at once.' directly by questioning you." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read to arrive at through this?" business?" "And now?" He raised his hand.