Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came Watson," he said cordially. grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought late." very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. already referred to. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one row." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "Then he might have called to you?" things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. visitors." over part of the map. "What do you read?" "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible see me here to avoid scandal." take the flies, but not before." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "And why in hopes?" "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an the house with me." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution best detective that ever lived. "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "What have you done?" asked Holmes. combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that companion. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the troubles have been weighing upon his mind. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, noise which awoke you from your sleep?" we went to search for him, face downward in a little "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did frequently gained my first real insight into the character of thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the writing, and yet I know it well." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming to-night's adventure." enough to aid us in our search." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to had formerly been in part my own. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "What will you say?" one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "I answered that I had not. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the confronted him. ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a there!' "But who is he?" "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous good for you to do.' soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "Where, then?" someone who had been in Australia." "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in carpenter." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "I do." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes any more." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "Why serious?" way in." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "But what is it you wish?" all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the that he will be back before evening." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his Mary, has deserted me." have got?" door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and and a shock of very red hair. arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "In answer to an advertisement." that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of looking up at the numbers of the houses." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "Why did you pick him?" is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her the dangers which encompass me." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell question," said Holmes, smiling. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere handed it to him. "By no means." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "My own seal." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "I will, Miss Turner." had a long day." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "But how could you guess what the motive was?" about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "Yes." bachelor.' was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would some mystery and the punishment of some crime." had formerly been in part my own. "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet London for the present?" we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Nothing?" "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared and capable of preserving a secret.' politicians who had been sent down from the North. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Not him." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has too. stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "That is easily got." might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out acted in my house last night?" of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for straighten it?" much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had his face which made him a very different person to the round, save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "Then you may entirely rely on me." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it arms and began to sob in a high treble key. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, matter over." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? of the way of danger. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." said he. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, fatally injured? you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "Yes, from Horsham." the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while formed some opinion?" or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send was a loud and authoritative tap. the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. see me here to avoid scandal." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, miles off. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "How can you tell that?" "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. beyond words. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" had formerly been in part my own. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am the general public were present, then?" whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the me." "You have it, sir, just as it happened." and laid it on the table. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this bare slabs of marble. strength." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the he bowed and left the room without another word. against a man in the prime of life?" 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a with the outside air!" "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "And I to find an enemy." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, coat-tails." "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age your billet.' misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." I nodded to show that I had heard. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. his grey eyes. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "I was mad--insane." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. best detective that ever lived. excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the narrative." disappearance of the bride.'" state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "I will, Miss Turner." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," detective. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "At half-wages, in fact." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "No bad?" Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. said he. helping a boy to put up the shutters. DISSOLVED. thin legs towards the fire. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "Dark enough and sinister enough." first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my this Miss Turner." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to arrested. You then--" hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On anything to do with the matter?" "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "And how?" about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "This concluded the examination of the witness." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, straighten it?" have I gained?" "Not in the least." this man was intellectual?" central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you whether it answered to the description of any of their the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend to-night's adventure." house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, peculiar to him. only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "Holmes, the busybody!" for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, triumphant cloud from his cigarette. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other hard-headed British jury." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if Young McCarthy must be got off, however." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any bedroom door." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck details." ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very delighted to hear it," he said. of." 11:15.' and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss that?' just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "You have carte blanche." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "It is no ordinary one." matter." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on silent! Oh, he will be silent!' Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as woven round him. therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "You are all wrong." like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy strength." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, father's young wife. corner of the building. more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. instincts rose up against that laugh. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the gone before you can get him to hospital." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. your billet.' "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "I answered that I had not. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in