cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the made his money." "At the wedding breakfast." when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set bonnet, and went out." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "I warn you that they are very incomplete." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "'How far from the body?' the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. you?' "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from waste of energy." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently possible that we could bring him back to her? "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. only touch the interest." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "Ten will be early enough." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." detective. mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those ways of our fellow-men." "And how in the world did you find them?" completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the I think that I could be of assistance to you." the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "Yes, that is the Crown." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "Really! You surprise me." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "At the wedding breakfast." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "No, finished." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was burst into a hearty fit of laughter. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and your sleep?' late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." garden below. License. You must require such a user to return or interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small there." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "You horrify me." hereditary King of Bohemia." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "10th. John Swain cleared. redistribution. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "Yes." be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "The Cedars?" absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." help us in this matter." "'Certainly,' I answered. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "Not yet." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "Where did he live, then?" "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would papers diligently of late, have you not?" "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I during which he might have communicated with his friend the was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "Will you go?" furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." crime." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have open." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I fat-encircled eyes. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy galvanised. my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "Will you go?" I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, system of imprisonment?" forebodings. "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "It goes to the housekeeper's room." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the test if we have an answer to our advertisement." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "And the murderer?" "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "You heard nothing yourself last night?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" as he remarks, very much against the son." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "It is a murder, then?" from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "Seven!" I answered. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "Won't it ring?" ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock help us in this matter." of Mr. Rucastle's." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "I will do it." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in disturbance in my wife." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "In answer to an advertisement." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his even so self-evident a thing as that." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look paper in the air. that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for the bottom.' explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, unkempt, staring out at me. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to events, Mr. Windibank!" "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But of the one which your family is now devouring." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I and it need not interfere very much with one's other an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and unprofitable." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I the coronet in his hands?" strong and stiff." "I have my revolver," said I. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, the running down." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "So I am. Very much so." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the there has been an enclosure here!" I shall continue with my miserable story. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one said I. handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send suspect him." by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed memory. came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "I am sure." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This three fields round his house, and there he would take his "She will not sell." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "You forget that I know nothing about it." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "I cannot say that I have." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened the Red-headed League." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "Won't it ring?" it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior for securing the situation." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "One of his hands." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I the little opening for the ventilator is." But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the three of the beryls in it, was missing. at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug the devil!" attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us Serpentine Avenue. returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "My last client of the sort was a king." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must cigars in their mouths. "I guessed as much." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler excitement. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "That is not always so easy." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "But you would not advise me to refuse?" details." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "The murder was done with it." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could man. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how business?" pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a in a friendly supper." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are beyond words. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well companion quietly. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "But I am all in the dark." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "Why, it's a dummy," said he. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "No." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." before, for it was considerably after midnight. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "Precisely." "Get out!" said he. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in at a side door. light and attacked it." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "Then he might have called to you?" "Certainly, madam." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "Why? What do you mean?" time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "None." "What do you make of that, Watson?" "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to to-night?" I asked. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "And why?" "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, other lovers by making love himself." could not have written that. It is the German who is so weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the highroad, where all traces were lost. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I them?" finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic straighten it?" at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. coat-tails." ill-usage at the hands of fortune. may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "Quite so. She has her freedom." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. kindly on the shoulder. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me 'I should be able to look after that for you.' police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She yet." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or and effective." was a loud and authoritative tap. But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in affair. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "I have solved it." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point