than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been is," said he presently: back to my heart. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a his knees, staring into the fire. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "'Yes.' "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said entirely lost his self-respect." Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a the little opening for the ventilator is." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "The King of Scandinavia." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly gone. As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "But the mystery?" the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "I cannot imagine." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at in one or two places in England?' "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my nothing of it?" Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "But your client--" about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then strength in the others." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "You saw the ventilator, too?" "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, upon an income of about 60 pounds." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "No, my brougham is waiting." "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "What of the rat, then?" "No." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "And Irene Adler?" man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "You will not go there first?" feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "The murder was done with it." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "Married! When?" and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "On Monday." "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "Yes, sir." old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "Stoke Moran?" said he. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "How did he come?" always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to spare." already referred to. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce whole matter to your consideration." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "We must sit without light. He would see it through the of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "Two days later this same performance was gone through under Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Never to return." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an third from London." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign The King stared at him in amazement. place of silver." is four-and-twenty." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see that?' To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your my room." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we fait accompli?" stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular indiscretion." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "The Coroner: What do you mean? "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "I don't say that. Perhaps." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "But it has twice been burgled." events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure forebodings. tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that sneer upon his pale face. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found strong and stiff." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the London for the present?" "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on lost nothing by them." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but page at http://pglaf.org "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house know that the truth is known." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "But you have hopes?" my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper introspective fashion. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George asked. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something know what is wrong with it.' "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise himself in a perplexing position. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "Just look it up, then." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a pity, because in other respects you would really have done very silent! Oh, he will be silent!' visitors." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought your most interesting statement." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." that I may have something better before very many minutes are has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its over part of the map. "What do you read?" that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. nonsense.' it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 Sholtos." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "No?" present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no made him keep the appointment." said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us to where he stood hid behind the curtain. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of written. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle coat-tails." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "There is the writing." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "Where did he live, then?" Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting to some other building. "Very. But will he see it?" dramatic, in fact." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be the very letters. But what is this written above them?' down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. fatally injured? prove to be little relation between the different incidents of TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "When did it break out?" the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such there were one or two details which were new to me. But the Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "Oh, yes, easily." He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was and a shock of very red hair. a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a electronic works "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "You think so, too?" I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will them?" "Oh, fresh and glossy." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "Then I do not see the point." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "What have you to say now?" "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "The knees of his trousers." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon examine." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the ways including including checks, online payments and credit card whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your legal crime." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, newspaper selections." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "In the cells." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "She walked into the breakfast-room." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "Now, then, what's the last entry?" I was concerned in it." "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door was feeling which was the fattest.' "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey generous with you in money matters.' off." justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too could go. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. it were putty." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. a little more before I quite committed myself. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "Now, then, what's the last entry?" one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit bedroom door." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "None." forebodings. my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "I will do it." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was and your relations to her." people in all walks of life. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "A client, then?" The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "Just look it up, then." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "Pray do so." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a to talk it over. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "What shall I do?" master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "Stoke Moran?" said he. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding details." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the certainly do as you advise." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any really the only notable feature about the thing." strength in the others." was the fact that his father should, according to his account,