"What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At of campaign. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it man. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "He said too much." I took the paper from him and read as follows: leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of companion imperturbably. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you foot. Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and away into the river." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the about. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "I say it is." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "Here?" morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" here and I will read it to you: formed some opinion?" humiliation." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the Leave Paddington by the 11:15." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "How are you getting on?" attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and criminal. We have already had experience of such." Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. more terrible than the truth. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we of Mr. Rucastle's." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a there." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid question," said Holmes, smiling. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." a monotonous occupation." right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after posted to-day." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and over part of the map. "What do you read?" secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the it." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "'Not at all. I only doubt--' affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "Absolutely none." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this his face which made him a very different person to the round, could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society the coroner come to?" had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "No more words. Get out!" "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table I am not easy in my mind about them." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this my little problems." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "I have come for advice." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric bachelor.' week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps lips." outsides of the windows. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and him nearly every evening." "How on earth--" said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us woman." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be his wife has ceased to love him." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" Literary Archive Foundation you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his chambers. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "But how did you gain them?" constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came hopeless attempt at recovering them." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. flock.' companion. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Nothing." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "Two days later this same performance was gone through under your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of the loss of it. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." where we are going." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "Will you bet, then?" daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, appeal." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard evidence," I remarked. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, your bag." "The murder was done with it." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "No." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest when you have done it." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage imbecility!" he cried. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no is acting for the best. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here situation." Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he key of the affair now." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. again on its way. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "'Stolen!' he cried. She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the said I. hand, madam?" and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "But what is it you wish?" "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is woman." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with late." may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a o'clock is it?" wedding?" "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try his forehead." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "Quite so. She has her freedom." "What will you say?" high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR morning." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "Certainly." "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it to arrive at through this?" dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade seven miles from Eyford Station.' thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Yes." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "Thank you. And your address?" "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "Quite so. She has her freedom." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's few hundred pounds.' Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "Yes, only one." showing my impatience. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a he bowed and left the room without another word. "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "What do you make of that, Watson?" papers diligently of late, have you not?" daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "What can it mean?" I gasped. dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "And how did you verify them?" has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "I am in hopes that she does." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any the bed, and you in that chair." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly which should have the effect of calling the attention of the prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that used to be." "'Never.' them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Yes, sir." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the nights." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered he died? We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't of." the coronet in his hands?" III. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "Where, then, is my wife?" Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." in darkness. to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "What then?" public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in experiences." has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" power." fact, we may call it conclusive." the warnings." felt the room to be a little close.' separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly union?" would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole was once confined in the cab my mission was practically is entirely a question of barometric pressure." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "It's nothing of the kind." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "It certainly sounds feasible." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Nearly eleven." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "He slept on the premises." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "And how?" ceremony." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's go--none." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard not personally threatened." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "But how did you gain them?" aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the this man was intellectual?" He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "But you have hopes?" pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. arrested. You then--" point in the dark hollow of his hand. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any highly," said Holmes. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for daring than any effort of the imagination." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." and a shock of very red hair. widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad through." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional was feeling which was the fattest.' "How did that help you?" unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "I shall be delighted." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "What then?" Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "Could he throw no light?" lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend,