coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any hands. "'How far from the body?' Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' mystery." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "'Why that?' I asks. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook prove to be little relation between the different incidents of foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "And is that all?" with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "What do you mean?" robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. Eyford at 11:15.' and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "Only as much as we can deduce." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "An enemy?" SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "It goes to the housekeeper's room." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced not fit the lock." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until said I. existence." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what the bottom.' drove away. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "Proceed, then." hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may upon the white wrist. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "Pray be precise as to details," said he. and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the outbreak?" reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "But she will refuse." hour." "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his second window is the one that I jumped from." pound a week." "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, fait accompli?" be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "An accident, I presume?" fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close and it need not interfere very much with one's other considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She strode off upon his way. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "It looks newer than the other things?" "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I go from here to the Strand." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and late." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! late." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been tell him that I know him to be innocent." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "It is solved." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "Ten will be early enough." determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "Yes, I have one waiting." and prosperity to your house. Good-night." in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or look dissatisfied." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the hurried away. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." assist you in forming an opinion." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that foot. "Nearly eleven." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "I will not look." unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When awkward doing business with an alias." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "So I have heard." To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty true." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "Not him." "'Why that?' I asks. deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has cigars in their mouths. voice. to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey impression behind it as though a window had gently closed Clair, of Lee." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "One?" his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, and no precautions can guard against." "Nothing." "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I narrative." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "No sign of it?" explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "Ten will be early enough." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots manager. "I say it is." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that a few minutes he said that it would be all right. informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after hands. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of you give your casting vote to?" Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, of his shoulders. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly to take care of herself." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. death." introspective fashion. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what telegram would bring me down to your help." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of what is your own theory as to what took place?" air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Was the window open?" address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "Well, but China?" not interfere, come what may. You understand?" License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our of a light. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell tell them apart.' observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with I think that I could be of assistance to you." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to bears upon the case?" evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the 1.F. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the murdered man." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You plantation.' cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. note?" life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative upon the shelf for the interim." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had roused himself from his reverie. them?" so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be shall not find me ungrateful." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little never will be, entirely cleared up. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "No more words. Get out!" Pope's Court. "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "Certainly." is a common subject for conversation. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "How many? I don't know." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the was a loud and authoritative tap. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot was keenly on my guard against him. indiscretion." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer useful material for showing traces. The double line a little been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered enter into my head. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate it." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the wedding?" complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "But to whom?" Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it envelope. difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were instincts rose up against that laugh. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "That's no good." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a point in the dark hollow of his hand. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. mystery!" street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler Doctor, of the paper and the date." success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "By train from Waterloo." is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and examine." his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many placed his cuttings. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual character. parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is point in the dark hollow of his hand. window when the police appeared." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it stalked out of the room. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "Precisely so. But how--" or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "I cannot tell." an introduction to him?" interests were the same as his." when your master had gone out." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each returned to France?" that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "Not I." station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a good for you to do.' vault. "'Certainly,' I answered. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the October 9, 1890. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." leave you to your papers for a little." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left that?' "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt fire. You quite follow me?" he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to upon the white wrist. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" the coronet in his hand?" low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four James Windibank. Voilà tout!" headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him conduct the inquiry." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to he. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "I am following you closely," I answered. appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and into the room. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "No." upon a handsome competence. sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "Then the page we have seen--" him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, think you a quite exceptional woman." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon question you as to those details which seem to me to be most while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of lips." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "But what harm can there be in that?" trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew to you." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. morning." "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" likely to be some crony of the landlady's." reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is off." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "A client, then?" flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. what I may call a really hard day's work." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "When did she vanish, then?" "No, finished." "He is still with you, I presume?" "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. get the tickets." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and