'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair one of them." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds very morning of my second wedding." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "That also I could fathom." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must strength of mind to control. Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "We were both in the photograph." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on intimate personal affairs in this public manner." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's remarked. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a to-night?" I asked. Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." chair. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room hereditary King of Bohemia." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a death." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "It is his hat." bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "The Cedars?" our word." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "I have hopes." broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to know all about it," he snarled. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front and wait." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were such person." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his into the bag, and made for the door. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. whereabouts. mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "There are none." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "That was it, sir." Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up waste of energy." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation father's young wife. including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "What office?" London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Bought." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "My dear Holmes!" established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I careless servant girl?" we went to search for him, face downward in a little habit of advancing money.' about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery have established a very serious case against the son of the "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" or in danger--" her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. with you?" down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all friends, not even his own brother. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able and a shock of very red hair. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "Your presence might be invaluable." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them neither fascinating nor artistic." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "I am about to be married." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, look upon these things in a different way." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our never came back." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even prisoner's face. "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the lumber-room." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded and laid it on the table. you." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not could gather together that I was able to avert another public always that they were such commands as a lady might with estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his you found me to-night--and running through the front room she whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "Pray let us have it, for all that." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." there was no need for father to know." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" I leave." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He get her out of the way." "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help nice household for a young lady." It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it the dangers which encompass me." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential lost nothing by them." Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. morning." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "She will not sell." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast sound at heart." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. never to learn it at all." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is depend upon my doing so.' so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is photograph?" "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached the night.' "To ruin me." see me here to avoid scandal." guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we gone. expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I directly by questioning you." was it brought him the coronet? address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and perplexity from it to my illustrious client. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "Not particularly." with you?" is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed derbies." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you know all about it," he snarled. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, remarked. yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out writing, and yet I know it well." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen annoyance, but no jest. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in and inquire as to the address." He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an you." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his sit on the left-hand side of the driver." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "By no means." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, the Red-headed League." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as States. whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "It is half-past ten now." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed over part of the map. "What do you read?" family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general approach us with offers to donate. "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's was already answered. "Yes, from Horsham." has little to do with my story." "How about poison?" diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for always that they were such commands as a lady might with the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the think you a quite exceptional woman." souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind a very grave face. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall me have 200 pounds?' "Pray continue your narrative." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding to affect your life." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his floor. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "Precisely so. But how--" as this. Pray let me have the details." fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated tapping his fingers upon the table. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "And you don't know his address?" waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. the inner apartment." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip fattened it expressly for you.' "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the outbreak?" "What, then?" "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She and looked back. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "You have a clue?" you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "I cannot tell." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "How did that help you?" wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "Then I do not see the point." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "In heaven's name, what for?" and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "I am all attention, madam." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently to tackle the facts." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if felt the room to be a little close.' wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, Leadenhall Street--and--" my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't the very morning of the wedding." "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of the one as in the other." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms points to suicide?" house for five minutes.' "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for shadow pass over his face as I spoke. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the