I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the politicians who had been sent down from the North. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "I know where it is." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said extraordinary contortions. should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "What do you mean?" stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very compunction about shooting them down." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. awaited us upon the table. it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very conduct the inquiry." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per newspaper selections." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "An accident, I presume?" "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men congenial hunt. "But how will you look?" quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." death." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not and the colonel ushered me in. are, I think, all that we need." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "If so, much may have happened between." maiden herself was most instructive." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of instituted." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "And how did you verify them?" grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. suspect him." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "I am still in the dark." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "No?" appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened was used.' "How did he come?" slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of really the only notable feature about the thing." and put his glass in his pocket. star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the the King without delay." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her have an American origin." be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "'Oh, no.' so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the place of silver." "Yes, they were peculiar boots." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my disappearance of the bride.'" "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon the salesman. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you visitors." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. suddenly upon us." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the not come at once?" forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "Yes, from Horsham." client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Not particularly." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better room had already been engaged for us. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. views." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some something of him before." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those impression behind it as though a window had gently closed pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "Just look it up, then." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and during the last few years, and there are many noble families to with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name three fields round his house, and there he would take his We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in have not had my rubber." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is an introduction to him?" my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "'Where to?' coroner's jury." other means.' hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw in a very precise fashion." "It must be recovered." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "Tired-looking or fresh?" drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated forecastle of an emigrant ship. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk to have that photograph." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "'I have heard so.' order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "It is a murder, then?" "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of burst out into a roar of laughter. corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other me. "Yes, certainly." "And is that all?" and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." directly by questioning you." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great whereabouts. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "A greater distance to travel." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "Your presence might be invaluable." "What steps will you take?" I asked. "How on earth--" to arrive at through this?" prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, this poor creature." "Did he not advertise?" that you saw all that I did." not fit the lock." business." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "I am armed." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "But you would not advise me to refuse?" akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. DISSOLVED. yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "Never." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "'You doubt its value?' he asked. discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "A client, then?" following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "It is very clear." leaning back in his chair. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' system of imprisonment?" a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and together. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "What! Had he lost his wife?" observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, business?" "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from carpenter." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "It is a murder, then?" bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen must compliment you." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I chance at all." Literary Archive Foundation "Never." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that know what is wrong with it.' the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ you." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "In heaven's name, what for?" hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old official police." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "9th. McCauley cleared. "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "On Monday." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a this unhappy family?" vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." said he. "Why did you beat the pavement?" possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "Ah!" vault. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "Your French gold?" purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards deduce something from that?" me what he had done with the three missing stones. "I cannot think." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. rat could hardly pass through." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, man. I know him from the photograph." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." and inquire as to the address." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." drawing your inferences." Holmes rather sternly. old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, three of the beryls in it, was missing. The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "Then I shall certainly come." "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable and laid it on the table. over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "What do you make of that, Watson?" stammered. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" did not hear it also.' bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but unprofitable." were unconscious?" better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered the south-west, I see." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the Holmes." "And who is her maid?" docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it there has been an enclosure here!" "I am armed." broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "Yes, that is the Crown." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for the driver. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "Where did he live, then?" of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That formed some opinion?" nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would whatever might befall. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' to-night's adventure." Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite least a most suspicious remark." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the Chief Executive and Director me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "But not more so than I to find you." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a cheerful." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the had a long day." hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and against a man in the prime of life?" he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet persecution?" round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "Pray do so." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow easy-going way." "What do you mean?" rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "The murder was done with it." certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. McCarthy's innocence. fear." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when better grown goose." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of beg that you will break it off." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock detained." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "What then?" long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, foot. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done,