"Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I said he at last. And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as keep the flames under. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "I have a cab outside." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest orange pips. of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be than to us. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the asked with his eyes open. "Was the window open?" to his chemical studies. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Did your wife hear all this?" "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of power." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "Your presence might be invaluable." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which pressing in one house as in another. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "I have come for advice." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "What do you make of that, Watson?" This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "Was he the only applicant?" furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "10th. John Swain cleared. "There is the writing." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "It must be recovered." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "Who by?" asked. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his clanging. I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that time." Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days quickly through a disagreeable task. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "You know me, then?" Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "Quite so. She has her freedom." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "Yes." is now desirous of getting those letters back." of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be occupations.' "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been and that he would see to anything that turned up. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. you want, then?' memory. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense the roots. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott used to be." could not have written that. It is the German who is so stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself lamp. "And sit in the dark?" folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone already referred to. gbnewby@pglaf.org edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "Precisely." "Have you it here?" "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am and capable of preserving a secret.' to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door with the outside air!" "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case himself to hunt down. companion quietly. she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that with frightened eyes at his accuser. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known better in every way that they should make their position a little Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough whether it answered to the description of any of their which I could not give. He asked for Alice. case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless whole matter to your consideration." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the the stones. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "I will, Miss Turner." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do leaning back in his chair. and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Not in a good cause." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is and that he would see to anything that turned up. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At during that time.' lamp. eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause before the coroner and the police-court." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. nights." your troubles." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic my former friend and companion. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we will not take me long to tell. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel companion. boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are his grey eyes. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." maiden herself was most instructive." "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have be sorry for having acted so harshly." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a Street. twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all comes from the middle window." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and anything to do with the matter?" villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "Nor running a chance of arrest?" Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' constraint." Have you good authority for what you say?" suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "No sign of it?" "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments James Windibank. Voilà tout!" near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon written. fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "It is half-past ten now." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the front of me. send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "And I to find an enemy." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a tension within him. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his when your master had gone out." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "Did you observe the colour?" his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "Game for a morning drive?" known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "But his lameness?" remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with Young McCarthy must be got off, however." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "Here?" "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the returning from some small jollification and was making his way "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before strength." ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP as the one I chose?' photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "'What then?' I asked. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without it." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in Have you good authority for what you say?" "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I that he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "You have it, sir, just as it happened." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can affection." License. You must require such a user to return or instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "And that is--" unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "'Certainly not.' together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their present." III. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. long narrative. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. whatever might befall. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" in this note: slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "And from a noble client?" a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's and no precautions can guard against." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the bird of prey. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish power." fait accompli?" "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the take the flies, but not before." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, the bottom.' "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "Yes." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "Very truly yours, the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "It was a confession," I ejaculated. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" weapon." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "Yes." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I of receipt of the work. of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "And did you observe any change in her then?" him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the see a sister of mine apply for." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, towards the blaze. filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the affection." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Why? What do you mean?" beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the suddenly upon us." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have of the efforts of the United States government and of the better they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open weary and pale-looking. Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, that you can jump it.' drawing your inferences." "Yes?" Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday said Mr. Holder. come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had prove to be little relation between the different incidents of the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" fashion which was peculiar to him. "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked