"But you have hopes?" has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our acted in my house last night?" wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices 'please.'" which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and answered with a sidelong glance. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so examination of the premises, but without finding anything which off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We whatever might befall. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before quickly through a disagreeable task. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "'Ten to two.' "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "'And the work?' Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable I shall continue with my miserable story. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. one else, I think." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable chance at all." "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that me. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "I will get her to show me." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have that?' electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You written. "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "What do you make of that, Watson?" all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "And Miss Sutherland?" everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which crackling voice. "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "I have my revolver," said I. But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, if only as a check to my own memory." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I remarked. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "And that is--" morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp up this clue while it is still hot." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for nothing with him." bears upon the case?" "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is bird I ate is country bred." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "And you thought he was pulled back?" "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, Holmes." Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party written, and locked the door of the office after me. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "Just look it up, then." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter so.' the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. and the church but not where the lady lived." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "And how did he make his money?" "So I am. Very much so." emerged. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive very peculiar words of the dying woman?" During two years I have had three consultations and one small usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. advice." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked anything to do with the matter?" come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to definite end. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I always that they were such commands as a lady might with treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name fire. You quite follow me?" spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "Nothing." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "'I am sure if I had known--' Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ relation between them, and what the object of his repeated this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I letters?" and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "'Never.' You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. started for the Temple to see my husband. there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it the coroner come to?" woman who has had her own way to make in the world. corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the McCarthy's innocence. "He is still with you, I presume?" one else, I think." "And how?" firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "I say it is." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been stalked out of the room. "Yes." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more which are rolled in Rotterdam." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, companion imperturbably. "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "And your father? Did you tell him?" above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." posted to-day." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a bird I ate is country bred." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the row." "Yes, sir." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. brain must have something in it." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. absolutely follow my advice in every respect." Arthur Conan Doyle slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." crackling voice. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he nice household for a young lady." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "In the cells." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With lectures into a series of tales." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "'Very good.' hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "I promise," said Holmes. of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he respectable self." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is coroner's jury." the roots. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important was used.' reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what during that time.' "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to you?' monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. my secret was safe in his possession. appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "Nothing." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a Holmes' thin, eager face. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet in this way: We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of the ceiling. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "And how did he make his money?" wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a question. "But she will refuse." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "She will not sell." spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "Her father is very rich?" "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on obstinate." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "But I am all in the dark." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of electronic works returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Certainly." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too had a long day." emerged. four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our read it out to me." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court in the dead of the night?' "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you you in yours." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that Street. Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "He said too much." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in events than those which have happened in my own family." sofa. This way, please!" suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the bird I ate is country bred." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I for securing the situation." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "Your presence might be invaluable." look upon these things in a different way." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary with some details as to your case." "Stolen, then." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "Yes." "This photograph!" him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow bedroom door." at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "My dear Holmes!" dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted have I gained?" accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so he. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of following enigmatical notices: said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed simple cases which are so extremely difficult." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You just called myself is not exactly my own." "The landlord of the Alpha." eavesdroppers?' part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "But what is it you wish?" "So I am. Very much so." "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to soul! here is her carriage at the door." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was fuss that is made over them." Street. room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "She will not sell." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. which was all perfectly true. "Pray let us have it, for all that." "It is possible." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a that threaten you." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I derbies." "You forget that I know nothing about it." not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To used to be." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss both be extremely obliged.' "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" call for protection in the marriage market, for the present thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "What is it?" already been minutely examined." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "So it appears." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I http://www.gutenberg.net at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or digesting their breakfasts at home." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "What is it?" found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." Project Gutenberg-tm works. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. the morning and make my own way in the world.' "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "Oh, yes, easily." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing constraint." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "And how?" and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "A greater distance to travel." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "No." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "Then what has happened to him?" "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "What office?" easy-going way." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I sound at heart." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But your equipment. purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "No, but the enclosure is." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the with some details as to your case." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "But how?" thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do villagers almost as much as their master.