was a loud and authoritative tap. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "But to whom?" *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." could gather together that I was able to avert another public "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "Ha! you find it so?" arrangements." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, fire. You quite follow me?" them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, corner of the building. and laid it on the table. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was entirely devoid of interest." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in compunction about shooting them down." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up neither fascinating nor artistic." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time helping a boy to put up the shutters. "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way used to be." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared me have 200 pounds?' that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind papers on the sundial.'" "I beg pardon." clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance three of the beryls in it, was missing. Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and question. "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I bird I ate is country bred." made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "No, I think that I'll take it." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "Which are?" my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent depend upon your compliance." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door standing smiling on the door-step. "Do you go out much in society?" down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, dead, shall be safe with us." "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "You don't mind breaking the law?" now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "Why? What do you mean?" "I warn you that they are very incomplete." door?" subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded arrested. You then--" grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit dates and names. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those of campaign. as the one I chose?' you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of you." "How can you tell that?" danger is over." "Yes, at the mines." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true question," said Holmes, smiling. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in the dangers which encompass me." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "Then I shall certainly come." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. orange pips. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "In San Francisco, a year ago." set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore o'clock is it?" into the bag, and made for the door. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, south, for the country is more deserted there." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the in a very precise fashion." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and written. your equipment. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the peculiar to him. seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband your equipment. "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "It is no ordinary one." a good hundred miles off by now." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "What are they?" neither fascinating nor artistic." ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "I have come for advice." "How did you deduce the select?" them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us he died? "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "I have come for advice." built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his lamp. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not case before our client came into the room." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "You horrify me!" deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the all?" charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the manager. the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a were wasted." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather since then to throw any light upon what became of him." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "Married! When?" He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and drawing your inferences." tell them apart.' stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "I have my revolver," said I. At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for shoulder; "he's all right." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave room. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "On Monday." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we views." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "Not I." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow fuss that is made over them." "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "But you have hopes?" "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "Stolen." the matter?" uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in or other trace. But how on earth--" "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom and that he would see to anything that turned up. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But woman who has had her own way to make in the world. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no forbidden door. he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "Nor running a chance of arrest?" acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled said he, "my real name is James Ryder." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom man. Does that suggest anything?" round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already room?" really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate Holmes rather sternly. prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "Where to?" twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible upon the shelf for the interim." believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, for its centre. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "Frequently." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, less than 26s. 4d. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The Miss Holder?" astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who strength." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who existence." matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did such attractions and accomplishments?' violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "I shall most certainly do so." the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a lips." papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across this unhappy family?" "And your father? Did you tell him?" you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you towards the blaze. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about know all about it," he snarled. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all individual and becomes the badge of a society." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which crackling voice. think, you have already met." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project call it cruel." "It was." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "Pray do so." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "Won't it ring?" "You are hungry," I remarked. supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "'Certainly,' I answered. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "But how?" "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, families. Now for the facts. on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for money should be paid at once.' Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "I will not look." good-night and bustled off upon her way. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we that you wished to speak to me?' woman who has had her own way to make in the world. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird the nursery. "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done it with his own hands." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "And what then?" said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly little trying to do so much typewriting?" station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has weapon." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in careless servant girl?" complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of Arthur Conan Doyle appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about shoulder; "he's all right." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both the roots. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "Pray do so." of note-paper. It read in this fashion: young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on made his money." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which thin legs towards the fire. usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall this unhappy family?" "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her remarked. pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was strode off upon his way. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, flock.' "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "You are hungry," I remarked. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the tell him that I know him to be innocent." Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third business." stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "Very truly yours, and effective." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of cause to be." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, neither fascinating nor artistic." returning from some small jollification and was making his way distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." asked with his eyes open. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied article?" very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you held up the lantern and gazed about him. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "You have but to name it." "And how?" face and glided from the room. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and during the last few years, and there are many noble families to black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "Breckinridge is his name." gives a meaning to it." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the newspaper selections." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since footfalls from the street. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and there was no need for father to know." lips." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. you want, then?' as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert happened." dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low and prosperity to your house. Good-night." called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again cup of tea. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new