prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad you in yours." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you at my own good fortune. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor train.' provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents bill, which interests me deeply." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "And you thought he was pulled back?" your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "'Never.' that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the room. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I flock.' were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the ways of our fellow-men." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." look dissatisfied." would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any for its centre. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless was shining brightly. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "And your mother is alive?" conceal it?" serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his guilty one." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private a room. to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "The gentleman I describe." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove out of this horrible affair." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an because she had spent so short a time in this country that she which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "Entirely." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, records." morning." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? there has been an enclosure here!" go--none." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same affair. that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the really the only notable feature about the thing." maiden herself was most instructive." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and been anything against him. He had for years been known as a grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward done what I asked you, Jones?" "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a closing the door. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "Dark enough and sinister enough." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the never to learn it at all." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck him." residence of the great financier. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "Yes, at the mines." "'Most admirably.' As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "None. Neville wrote those words." a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was again before evening." streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "VIOLET HUNTER." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some himself. The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. for securing the situation." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself as the one I chose?' years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as events than those which have happened in my own family." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there sparkled upon his finger. explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been Holmes' face clouded over. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "Of Friday, June 19th." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "'In my own bureau.' hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "No. What a strange idea!" said Mr. Holder. long narrative. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. desk. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an sofa. This way, please!" air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking been shamefully used." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "I think that it is very probable." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a again before evening." "And I." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which investigation." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "You have but to name it." of Fenchurch Street." "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "And why?" several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his fled together." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can that first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, and capable of preserving a secret.' but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a families. Now for the facts. "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "No sign of it?" were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "No, I had a dozen." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a of your young ladies.' ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and get her out of the way." explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of with frightened eyes at his accuser. creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles delighted to hear it," he said. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "Game for a morning drive?" "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "Then you may be so with me." "Did you observe the colour?" use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "You were travelling in the States?" to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it weapon." "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard photograph a cabinet?" in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "Then, as to money?" second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "At what time?" age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "Where, indeed?" "But to whom?" shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" question. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man I have it here in my museum." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and observed. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "And who is her maid?" "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "Was he the only applicant?" "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "And that is--" may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "And what then?" clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle What do you deduce from it?" my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." hurried away. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of from you?" records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, manager. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, the tragedy. interested in these little problems, and since you are good he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing and a shock of very red hair. over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "And why?" Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from brought there to personate someone, and the real person is no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have I think that I could be of assistance to you." Sutherland. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as the coroner come to?" flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the the very morning of the wedding." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "May I see it?" interested in these little problems, and since you are good pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "I am armed." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? weigh very heavily upon my conscience." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting you do it in twenty minutes!' "My dear Holmes!" confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "And you don't know his address?" to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked and put his glass in his pocket. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This my special province." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "Deserted you?" I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." foresight and the moral retrogression?" money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still in his hands." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my his face which made him a very different person to the round, engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." highroad, where all traces were lost. gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever the bottom.' me have 200 pounds?' insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one there has been an enclosure here!" Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said to tell." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his Where does the thing come from?' the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have ways of our fellow-men." "'You cannot say what it was?' "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "He said too much." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that society." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "What! Had he lost his wife?" "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting pierced for earrings?" "'Where to?' first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "Pray do so." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten http://www.gutenberg.net like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not tear off another piece?' "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. one else, I think." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a whole matter to your consideration." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Yes, sir." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case my room." brandy and water within his reach. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "But you would not advise me to refuse?" the coronet in his hands?" and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for giving me time to thank him. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very at my remark. "What! a murderous attack?" orange pips. "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "I should wish to." been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the away into the river."