"'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" union?" his cane at the bell-pull. the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, the night.' suddenly upon us." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. tied." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, during that time.' much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in colour had been driven from his face. manager. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "I have come for advice." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for suspect him." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we gone before you can get him to hospital." "That sounds a little paradoxical." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards train from Paddington which would bring you there at about as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which second window is the one that I jumped from." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in noting anything else of interest. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "Yes, I have one waiting." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "There is the writing." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door long narrative. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "To an end?" that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very into the bag, and made for the door. glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as companion. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother was shining brightly. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their question. "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "Here?" "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask morning." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "May I see it?" and your relations to her." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "Nothing?" Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing happened." your most interesting statement." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad are windows in it, of course?" the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, her also." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At pictures, libraries, or plate. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it think that any burglar could have done. "A confidential servant?" small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their name is different." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "Seven!" I answered. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the him nearly every evening." old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said national property. I was determined that the law should have its expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every Arthur Conan Doyle now. It seems that there had been some informality about their electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very strode off upon his way. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, fish-monger and a tide-waiter." of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" http://www.gutenberg.net the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "My own seal." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband best detective that ever lived. from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. until night should bring an explanation. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Then I am your man." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat a little more before I quite committed myself. the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "What is it, then--a fire?" his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "I was sure that I might rely on you." you." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "My stepfather's business papers." my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless there." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the may never be exposed to such a temptation." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it walking." no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "Entirely." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "Yes, only one." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are key of the affair now." might have a private word with us. other, as fresh and trim as possible. through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Then I do not see the point." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of note?" dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "Pray be precise as to details," said he. conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would case-book, which he consulted. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "You forget that I know nothing about it." emerged. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the experiences." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She know all about it," he snarled. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white forbidden door. main points of my analysis." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and spark where all is dark to me." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project confronted him. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at unprofitable." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of there when the Rucastles went away." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life families. Now for the facts. the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "That's no good." had this final quarrel? In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "A thing like a cleaver," said he. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really with you alone." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late than was visible to me." trying to your nerves." size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "Here?" amused." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off on re-entering her father's house?" "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting quickly through a disagreeable task. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very have not had my rubber." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of was shining brightly. round with crates and massive boxes. were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I Eyford at 11:15.' a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "Look there!" said he. public press." http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Your French gold?" THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "Your sister is dead, then?" 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project know all about it," he snarled. upon the sideboard." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It of the one which your family is now devouring." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little are windows in it, of course?" out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "What is it?" something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss cigar and let me expound." fat-encircled eyes. trying to your nerves." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure to take care of herself." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is served to weaken the effect. sound at heart." male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "How long did she speak to this Alice?" and have this put in the evening papers." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first handed it to him. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather served to weaken the effect. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the been deceived." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "In heaven's name, what for?" held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose coroner's jury." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "It is possible." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid the child." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "You have the photograph?" "Will you bet, then?" take the flies, but not before." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. business?" pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. weighed down with some great anxiety. Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself States. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money until night should bring an explanation. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this all that?" and wait." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." you." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact yards of it?' "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem His smile broadened. "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, photograph?" opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which where Mr. Fordham shows you.' space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be kind enough to tell me what I should do." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper point in the dark hollow of his hand. reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very Watson," he said cordially. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" as this. Pray let me have the details." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. him and tried to hold him back. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in was not a bird to be seen there. "And is that all?" unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss crime." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, here and I will read it to you: upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I