"Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the relation between them, and what the object of his repeated in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the easy-going way." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. Holmes' thin, eager face. remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "Certainly, madam." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very fishes. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she points to suicide?" ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "A thing like a cleaver," said he. thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "The decline of his fortunes, then?" in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't disappearance of these gems?" at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, and a shock of very red hair. "An accident, I presume?" murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet it right.' "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, it." kindly on the shoulder. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must that you can jump it.' "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such the window, rose as we entered. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, persecution?" violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted Does that suggest anything?" a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of gone before you can get him to hospital." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps memory. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a breakfast?" "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "That sounds a little paradoxical." highly," said Holmes. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my again on its way. the so-precious time, but come!' when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked morning." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "Yes, certainly." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "'Certainly not.' stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "Only as much as we can deduce." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and dramatic, in fact." a monotonous occupation." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, she to prove their authenticity?" of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are Watson," he said cordially. Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were himself to tell his story. enter into my head. appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of enter into my head. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his other means.' key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "'Is 4 pounds a week.' We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "I cannot think." have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, gone. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution thought that she would have been so carried away." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "And on what day did he meet his death?" the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies sofa. This way, please!" you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, characteristics, but those are the more obvious." lost his Christmas dinner." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "He is dead," cried several voices. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his status with the IRS. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "Where, indeed?" "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing enter into my head. The events in question occurred in the early days of my the night.' "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. outside." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any way in everything. Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "Whose house is it?" Edgeware Road. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able suggested at once that there must be a communication between the gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It I approached. on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "Was the window open?" "And how have you succeeded?" in the port of London." appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "The murder was done with it." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one come either from the window or the door. My attention was "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot room had already been engaged for us. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "Of Friday, June 19th." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY the south-west, I see." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "No, thank goodness, she did not." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "Of what?" "In the cells." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "The knees of his trousers." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a hour?' third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we his wife has ceased to love him." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "It surprised me." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Well, it is a possible supposition." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" of." to surprise her." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "The King of Scandinavia." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set derbies." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem mystery may be cleared along those lines." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers crime." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well Literary Archive Foundation There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Why did you beat the pavement?" Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I there when the Rucastles went away." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she the ceiling. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "What shall I do?" James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, in. "I say that I have solved it." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, appeal." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "A confidential servant?" dates and names. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" examination of the premises, but without finding anything which excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the have been better. It is all right." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "You are hungry," I remarked. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any chambers. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "I would pay ten." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "You have carte blanche." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from the coronet in his hands?" hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "My dear Holmes!" you." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had asked. "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "Seven!" I answered. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, which was all perfectly true. charged with?" it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "One of the highest in England." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "Well." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. my little problems." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital 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 matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place was a loud and authoritative tap. sound at heart." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" himself. written, and locked the door of the office after me. any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a speckled band?" "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a Have you good authority for what you say?" were wasted." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. John Swain, of St. Augustine. beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "What! You do not mean bodies?" would then never go into court at all." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom noble correspondent could be. he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which his cane at the bell-pull. slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do read it out to me." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and heavy and sharp instrument." "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "I will try. What is it?" order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself lost nothing by them." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as sooner or later she must fall a victim. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you do.' Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive DAMAGE. quite distinctive." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the as he folded up the epistle. Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "'What then?' I asked. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it I am not easy in my mind about them." even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for singular points about the case. What did the police think of the characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "'Yes, it was gone.' taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little as he folded up the epistle. south, for the country is more deserted there." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's discontent upon his features. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and bears upon the case?" married her." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a