hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 companion. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were up this clue while it is still hot." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded handed it to him. with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "Precisely so. But how--" you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman stood on the top of it. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "Yes?" of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is now. It seems that there had been some informality about their as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his or other trace. But how on earth--" beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. conclusions. wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing that you saw all that I did." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "Your sister is dead, then?" had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "It's nothing of the kind." Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it village inn over there?" it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, your sleep?' facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears in. shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "That is not always so easy." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it his knees, staring into the fire. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for your own bird, so if you wish--" would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord the tragedy. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such less than 26s. 4d. 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Then the page we have seen--" earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "To an English lawyer named Norton." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that strode off upon his way. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "Will you go?" "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped in his power. papers." "Ha! you find it so?" he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that the inquest, and which are worth considering." "Absolutely none." sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "Then I do not see the point." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted he. "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." mystery." congratulate you again." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a with you?" "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be four million human beings all jostling each other within the "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Then I am your man." that I can to serve you." matters immensely." sound at heart." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered was keenly on my guard against him. Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the to a more successful conclusion." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of you?" opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the away into the river." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "Well, some hundreds of times." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "And how did he make his money?" "Where to?" His name is Francis Prosper." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one people don't know." John Swain, of St. Augustine. thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "Here?" the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "'What are you doing there?' he asked. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to it." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." on in his house." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "Was your sister dressed?" "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no child?' "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, vanished into the darkness. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a what these perils are?" foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "We must sit without light. He would see it through the convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would singular points about the case. What did the police think of the qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had call you and give you the chance." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "Perhaps we may make them less so." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was front of the hall door has given its name to the place. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "What of the rat, then?" answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear quite distinctive." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "And did you observe any change in her then?" "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up ashen face. shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found really the only notable feature about the thing." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "'In my own bureau.' 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "Yes." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass suggested at once that there must be a communication between the between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "Nothing?" ordinary clothes on?" door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. woman." the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything maid will bring up your coffee." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me shoulder. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "'And the work?' of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." what do you think they found in the pockets?" Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "'Very good.' and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have individual and becomes the badge of a society." conceal it?" carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." Countess of Morcar's?" the King without delay." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he of them has the shutters up.' 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Certainly." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I right! Sit down and let us talk it over." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded it were putty." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "Nothing?" hour?' "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "Was she in good spirits?" the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very it." George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred golden eyeglasses. again before evening." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "Seven!" I answered. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "Can I be of assistance?" thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to simple cases which are so extremely difficult." whether it answered to the description of any of their as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "But your client--" keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon tied." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you long narrative. grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might unprofitable." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. this man was intellectual?" hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with of." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "Then I do not see the point." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. mysterious business." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "Proceed, then." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "I see many objections to any such theory." ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the whether it answered to the description of any of their strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "Ah, but I was recommended to you." in the dead of the night?' very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "And how did you find out?" Serpentine Avenue. covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "But how did you gain them?" successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and your sleep?' sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. if I call to-morrow?" with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "'Certainly not.' for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "What, then?" "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. written, and locked the door of the office after me. He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "But how could you guess what the motive was?" man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is see me here to avoid scandal." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" Gutenberg-tm License. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an breakfast." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "Holmes, the busybody!" whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am geese which you supplied to the Alpha." recall any case within my experience which looked at the first It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "How are you getting on?" and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "And sit in the dark?" Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to light and attacked it." girl said." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did vague figure huddled up in the darkness. out." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "I will get her to show me." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, to Leatherhead. said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. strong and stiff." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "Did your wife hear all this?" good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so photograph?" not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a some terrible trap for her."