"How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able since then to throw any light upon what became of him." British peeress.'" madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear this as likely?" years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, prepare for the new role I have to play." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "Then I can wait in the next room." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her time." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "Not social, then?" dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the the house with me." envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what information in his hands the value of which he did not himself quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "It is solved." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Here?" "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. unkempt, staring out at me. "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "'What then?' I asked. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "A client, then?" the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of quick march!" quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "Ten will be early enough." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "I cannot imagine." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and if only as a check to my own memory." me what he had done with the three missing stones. business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his lumber-room." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "None." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the visitors." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so matter." affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could purpose of examination. some city in a dream. Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. to-night?' had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the the stable lane now." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed imbecility!" he cried. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "It is very kind of you." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, lids now and glanced across at his visitor. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "But your client--" the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I away to you." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in 1.E.9. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "And how did you find out?" "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "That also I could fathom." she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, about. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is of Fenchurch Street." present." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my his cane at the bell-pull. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "Holmes, the busybody!" speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it a little more before I quite committed myself. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a your bag." "Never." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "In San Francisco, a year ago." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "And you can do nothing until then?" get the tickets." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson in the port of London." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "What will you do, then?" hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "Yes." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" introspective fashion. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "Stoke Moran?" said he. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave fear." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' returned to France?" which was all perfectly true. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where said he, "my real name is James Ryder." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "If I can be of use." sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is Arthur Conan Doyle "I would give my fortune to have them back." questioning and rather startled gaze. "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "I have a cab outside." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me shall use the carriage to-night." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to know that the truth is known." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have digesting their breakfasts at home." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "My dear Holmes!" great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. little adventures." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly again on its way. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a the one as in the other." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "And it is--" himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the assist you in forming an opinion." houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into things are very often connected not with the larger but with the said he. WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and respectable self." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion the King without delay." Does that suggest anything?" which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. walking." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" for and were ordered to this address. them present such singular features as the strange train of the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "What can it mean?" I gasped. premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "It was." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was the south-west, I see." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man will he say when he returns?" "It is possible." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "Yes, only one." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She Heh?' "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, chamber." "Well, but China?" companion. essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "Nor running a chance of arrest?" accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. Serpentine Avenue. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "What, then?" careless servant girl?" cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Nothing." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "Get out!" said he. "On your arm?" "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "My stepfather's business papers." as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "Pray let us have it, for all that." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible Chief Executive and Director own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup Project Gutenberg-tm works. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps the little opening for the ventilator is." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "No, thank goodness, she did not." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "And that is--" Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I problems help me to do so." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view me have 200 pounds?' foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "What shall I do?" Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' call for protection in the marriage market, for the present really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his bears upon the case?" hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." Doctor, of the paper and the date." fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make already referred to. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises absorbing." "By all means." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by that he has suffered." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "Eh? What was that?" when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace acted in my house last night?" you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "No, my brougham is waiting." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the ways of our fellow-men." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Breckinridge is his name." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "But his left-handedness." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to chambers. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an redistribution. in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up Does that suggest anything?" stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "It may not come to that," said Holmes. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant