"'Quite sure, dad.' "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his approach us with offers to donate. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the is acting for the best. The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered you understand?" "What is it, then--a fire?" shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the most important business. It is probable that he will be away all standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De records." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house had a long day." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for present strange and interesting features that it is no easy she might be summoned. his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "I say that I have solved it." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He all that?" "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "Why did you beat the pavement?" enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." lamp. frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers Street. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "Yes." "Well." man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea Where does the thing come from?' centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of to a more successful conclusion." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." compunction about shooting them down." fact, we may call it conclusive." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever business?" "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." again." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "I see many objections to any such theory." but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such wife's character?" "Will you bet, then?" the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here dear old homesteads?" where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "A greater distance to travel." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "Yes, at the mines." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend daring than any effort of the imagination." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "Pray do so." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he I think that I could be of assistance to you." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very breakfast and whispered something to her husband. him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all speckled band?" "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it voice, changing her seat as requested. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "You'll never persuade me to believe that." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days to-night." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and people in all walks of life. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "Perfectly so." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly the stones. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, congratulate you again." "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be any little problem which you may submit to me." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which showing my impatience. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. south, for the country is more deserted there." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Only as much as we can deduce." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "What of the rat, then?" "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "I am about to be married." Sholtos." unclasping of his long thin hands. weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a and I shall be with you presently." "Yes, it would be as well." I approached. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away me where it went to?" "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to late!' knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "And from a noble client?" presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "How about poison?" "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you is so. I know all about McCarthy." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and could not account in any way for the presence of the missing ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster I approached. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked that?' "Why? What do you mean?" fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for have an American origin." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about colour had been driven from his face. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most brandy and water within his reach. depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. society." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon roused himself from his reverie. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "You are hungry," I remarked. and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." was a lad." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or not as remarkable as your advertisement." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "Did you become engaged then?" "But it has twice been burgled." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the really the only notable feature about the thing." the King without delay." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the drawing your inferences." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "There is the writing." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at have had none more fantastic than this." bedroom door." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." Holmes' thin, eager face. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "I fear not." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what *** START: FULL LICENSE *** caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "'Certainly not.' before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the Project Gutenberg-tm works. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must this unhappy family?" "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass interest. They are important, you understand, without being feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "Will you go?" He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very man. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. there!' the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making ready to-morrow?' where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George acted in my house last night?" did not hear it also.' convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds Arthur Conan Doyle the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "I have a cab outside." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of Countess of Morcar's?" "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming who was a member of your goose club." long narrative. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and to that open window." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "But I have heard all that you have heard." she might be summoned. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third cup of tea. are windows in it, of course?" Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the habit of advancing money.' tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That his forehead." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce constraint." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that a room. charge against him will break down." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "Not in the least." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. my friend's incisive reasoning. "But what harm can there be in that?" "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the know that the truth is known." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "Well, it is a possible supposition." violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very be best to do. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a soul! here is her carriage at the door." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "And for present expenses?" photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "I answered that I had not. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I that you can jump it.' transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "Never." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could Holmes rather sternly. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to had died away into the silence from which it rose. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "Did you observe the colour?" Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for the iron safe, which he closed upon it. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "Was he the only applicant?" bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father had died away into the silence from which it rose. once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "But the mystery?" in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week families. Now for the facts. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the empty. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can window when the police appeared." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more all-comprehensive glances. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to awkward doing business with an alias." "You saw the ventilator, too?" demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my assist you in forming an opinion." to a more successful conclusion." purpose of examination. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I detective. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, was not a bird to be seen there. events, Mr. Windibank!" "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether know that the truth is known." then?" presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety kind enough to tell me what I should do." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, if I call to-morrow?" "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having used to be." been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should passage and a tap at the door. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so fish-monger and a tide-waiter." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "But how did you gain them?" drove away. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "'Entirely.' my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would ventilator." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and