most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would started for the Temple to see my husband. pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only sound at heart." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "What office?" "Why? What do you mean?" "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "The murder was done with it." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go new acquaintance to Baker Street. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching sufficient punishment." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put indiscretion." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. all?" far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who heavily into it. "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and business." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "My opinion is in no way altered." "Pray do so." "Thank you. Pray proceed." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. in the hope of finding them." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he obstinate." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "'Where could I find him?' "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I was shining brightly. of the one which your family is now devouring." footfalls from the street. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly companion. served to weaken the effect. "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "Yes, only one." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business Street. myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Entirely." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "I assure you that I am in your hands." that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace arrangements." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "In which, sir?" took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could wedding?" photograph a cabinet?" my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the have got?" of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton if I call to-morrow?" branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him is," said he presently: was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature call for it in person on Monday morning.' impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "Oh, fresh and glossy." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. sofa. This way, please!" play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. your sleep?' Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "'Then let me do so?' coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "Yes, certainly." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. of fine shops and stately business premises that they really help us in this matter." a room. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in hand, madam?" other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "You have compromised yourself seriously." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we geese which you supplied to the Alpha." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain people in all walks of life. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "There is the writing." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "Were they all fastened this morning?" age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us absolutely follow my advice in every respect." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "Well, it is a possible supposition." "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down of your young ladies.' and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "My stepfather's business papers." figure." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up rose-bushes. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "'Ten to two.' the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to cup of tea. at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the have an American origin." "Not particularly." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a tear off another piece?' "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "Why did you beat the pavement?" "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." compunction about shooting them down." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for the south-west, I see." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." just ask you whether you had heard it.' however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "'Which dealer's?' unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the would then never go into court at all." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it only touch the interest." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady a room. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and bearing upon the case." Dr. Gregory B. Newby beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "10th. John Swain cleared. during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was come either from the window or the door. My attention was green of the new foliage. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his with you alone." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips think you a quite exceptional woman." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "It is very clear." "I would pay ten." observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if The King stared at him in amazement. "The Coroner: What do you mean? luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, pound a week." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "'No, I know no one in these parts.' kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of I shall communicate with you." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" bearing upon the case." "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in What do you deduce from it?" "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two in darkness. "The murder was done with it." arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "But what is it you wish?" I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "I was certainly surprised to find you there." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the absorbing." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have made him keep the appointment." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." Holmes." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong it. "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to happened." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back look dissatisfied." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "Quite so." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There to-night?" I asked. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking your only hope of safety." "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For nonsense.' did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his interests were the same as his." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the tell them apart.' yourselves in at night?" "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "I should like to see him very much." bled considerably." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden I was concerned in it." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. or in danger--" "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "Yes, at the mines." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then desk. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black she to prove their authenticity?" "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "One of his hands." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "'Yes, sir.' that the gas is not laid on in his house?" should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 considering the formidable letters which were received by himself struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "At the wedding breakfast." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker fat-encircled eyes. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "A client, then?" "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my lumber-room." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced said I. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the direction." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner beg that you will break it off." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "I beg pardon." ourselves in the office." have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and lost his Christmas dinner." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp approach us with offers to donate. "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "Then I am your man." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "Won't it ring?" "Then I am your man." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "No, my brougham is waiting." "Deserted you?" "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, out of this horrible affair." "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. man. I know him from the photograph." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual crime. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "I cannot tell." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper for securing the situation." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The sofa. This way, please!" fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black all that?" "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you a good hundred miles off by now." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." invisible to me," I remarked. to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which over with notes and figures. back to my heart. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too Doctor, of the paper and the date." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be might have a private word with us. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "It's nothing of the kind." "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and