weapon." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "It is possible." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite way in." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "Yes, that is the Crown." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "Never." practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "'Very good.' and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" what I may call a really hard day's work." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "'Where could I find him?' gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds do you make of it all?" successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "You have carte blanche." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "So it appears." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "It was a confession," I ejaculated. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden that you wished to speak to me?' introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "I am in hopes that she does." his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed and looked back. I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his unkempt, staring out at me. "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made is now desirous of getting those letters back." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "'What, the red-headed man?' suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which forbidden door. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. that I can to serve you." the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "I will get her to show me." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, a room. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "I have seen the police." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the behind me. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "That is possible." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "An accident, I presume?" the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is best detective that ever lived. Cross for the Continent." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "I would give my fortune to have them back." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness the window, rose as we entered. purpose of examination. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left girl said." astonishment. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave door?" done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "No?" step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, other lovers by making love himself." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "What do you mean?" Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in fattened it expressly for you.' happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington fasten all the windows?" "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said she slowly sank and died without having recovered her ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the himself to hunt down. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "But how could you guess what the motive was?" recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about see a sister of mine apply for." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and made him keep the appointment." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis the devil!" "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of fatally injured? shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid washing it down with a long draught of water. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his yourselves in at night?" course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an was feeling which was the fattest.' unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way papers must be those that are destroyed.' elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "9th. McCauley cleared. to go into your room and bar your shutters?" my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. sparkled upon his finger. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce fishes. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to carpenter." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "Pray be precise as to details," said he. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it better in every way that they should make their position a little very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian records." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out again, where I was soon asleep. that "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was get her out of the way." said he. their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "'Then let me do so?' over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see the running down." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing his knees, staring into the fire. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "But what harm can there be in that?" hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is wife's character?" "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "And how in the world did you find them?" these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "What! Had he lost his wife?" Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which this man was intellectual?" both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I had this final quarrel? explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of strong and stiff." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and dear old homesteads?" "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her outbreak?" went to the Alpha were town bred." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the easy-going way." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "Do you know him?" "I will try. What is it?" country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "BALLARAT." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting in one or two places in England?' "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his was shining brightly. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that characteristics, but those are the more obvious." revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off fishes. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "At the wedding breakfast." heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of Surrey." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got companion. "And your mother is alive?" at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at Mary, has deserted me." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must conclusions. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, system of imprisonment?" still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" note?" to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "Why? What do you mean?" noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the your bag." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "But you can know nothing of this?" "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria outbreak?" all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "Certainly." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "What, then, did Peterson do?" complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. it with his own hands." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass Clair, of Lee." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that salesman. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. any." "And how did he make his money?" "Two days later this same performance was gone through under slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, families. Now for the facts. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "And from a noble client?" in darkness. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice a few minutes he said that it would be all right. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "We were both in the photograph." could not have written that. It is the German who is so lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence neither fascinating nor artistic." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be it? Did I buy the geese off you?" neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. to have that photograph." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. answered with a sidelong glance. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the it? Did I buy the geese off you?" 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. any more." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or married her." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. companion imperturbably. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one who was a member of your goose club." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate behind me. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to held up the lantern and gazed about him. such attractions and accomplishments?' pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton leave you to your papers for a little." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, voice, changing her seat as requested. retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "'Very good.' arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a mysterious end."