who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" empty. course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "Yes." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or there in twenty minutes." is," said he presently: cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "It is very kind of you." ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." drove away. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." once more for Briony Lodge. words came to my lips. out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with been with you?" hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Absolutely?" "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. nights." "Very much so." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, the dangers which encompass me." it with his own hands." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be other means.' down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "When did it break out?" over part of the map. "What do you read?" "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, less than 26s. 4d. memory. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need round with crates and massive boxes. Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a was a lad." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "'You doubt its value?' he asked. belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at conversation I have gathered that they have been married about the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "But not more so than I to find you." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your kind enough to tell me what I should do." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make was it brought him the coronet? "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "But she could not love him." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you wedding?" known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few had this final quarrel? first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a again." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy on in his house." IS Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help distance from the station, and there we found the young lady conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a returned to France?" preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some Lee, in the county of Kent." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you was already answered. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "I say it is." "And how did he make his money?" certainly not very gracious." carpenter." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and Eyford." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at until night should bring an explanation. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "And you can do nothing until then?" questionable one." To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those the loss of it. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to 11:15.' north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if room had already been engaged for us. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "Then how many are there?" "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom she has been waylaid. There has been no result." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "Yes, sir." and the colonel ushered me in. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, way in everything. his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." away into the river." "Only as much as we can deduce." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my throat." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "'I am sure if I had known--' call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "Your presence might be invaluable." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "None. Neville wrote those words." whatever might befall. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from and the church but not where the lady lived." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me drawing your inferences." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? there has been an enclosure here!" of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular during which he might have communicated with his friend the coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on me. You must get home instantly and act." unprofitable." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and were new raised from a basin. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a you understand?" most interesting one." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out I took the paper from him and read as follows: thought that she would have been so carried away." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course a good hundred miles off by now." "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." other means.' "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at wall." he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "Then how many are there?" the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "Never." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "The doctor?" week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "I am sure." outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "So I have heard." mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "And how did he make his money?" which are rolled in Rotterdam." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "Yes." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. him to go away.' "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew them, and came down just as you departed. corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she with some details as to your case." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." sparkled upon his finger. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "How about poison?" "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a people in all walks of life. "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." the roots. upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I acted in my house last night?" inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her the coronet in his hand?" line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "But not more so than I to find you." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I interest. They are important, you understand, without being quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "I see many objections to any such theory." "'Which dealer's?' For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "Yes, there are nearly always some there." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "You will not go there first?" o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "But what is it you wish?" low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some the best of training." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that coroner's jury." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is thought that she would have been so carried away." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "'Then let me do so?' "Yes, he did." even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." once more. clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "Not in the least." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the our word." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. writers could invent nothing more crude." at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing place of silver." the morning and make my own way in the world.' gbnewby@pglaf.org considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I must be when I saw the door open.' "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop me upon any point which I do not make clear." she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "Very. But will he see it?" "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon populous neighbourhood." bears upon the case?" determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my arrangements." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "Was there a secret marriage?" has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "Tired-looking or fresh?" you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an this as likely?" woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the suspect him." broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only the coronet at all injured?" "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Come in!" said he. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "But how did you gain them?" with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "Well?" frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "And how did you verify them?" protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither away into the river." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "Not in a good cause." Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was will take you up to see the machine.' his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He this poor creature." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "And I to find an enemy." "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. trying to your nerves." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat hand, madam?" a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend know what is wrong with it.' "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "I say it is." The King stared at him in amazement. felt?" Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "My dear Holmes!" bore every mark of being an average commonplace British frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "Was she in good spirits?" with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been vault. "'What, the red-headed man?' father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing tapping his fingers upon the table. conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and is so. I know all about McCarthy." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, Countess of Morcar's?" eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have entirely lost his self-respect." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. to his chemical studies. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe three of the beryls in it, was missing. fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "No, thank goodness, she did not." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case congenial hunt. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are ill-usage at the hands of fortune. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. round and wave him away like that.' by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the and the colonel ushered me in. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "I am still in the dark." "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the something of him before." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and Literary Archive Foundation donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known