in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "But how could you guess what the motive was?" certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to assist you in forming an opinion." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "Yes." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was redistribution. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about upon an income of about 60 pounds." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old fire. You quite follow me?" rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "Oh, fresh and glossy." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote that threaten you." attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had confronted him. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." we went to search for him, face downward in a little "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it the Assizes." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "I cannot imagine." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open will find little credit to be gained out of this case." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "Nothing." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "No." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "Yes." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable window when the police appeared." which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "I have my revolver," said I. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "Yes, all." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want late!' bare slabs of marble. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "Here?" everything which you would wish to know." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known light and attacked it." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that test if we have an answer to our advertisement." security.' as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "None." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Certainly." came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out be. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "No. His orders were to stay in the house." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "'Which dealer's?' along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him my secret was safe in his possession. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this despaired of." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "I answered that I had not. "And how in the world did you find them?" the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It was a lad." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you your bag." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me that I am arrested." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands to arrive at through this?" prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was article?" truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Well, some hundreds of times." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" figure." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried details." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" congenial hunt. it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set better in every way that they should make their position a little simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "Because he was handy and would come cheap." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from done what I asked you, Jones?" starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, neither fascinating nor artistic." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "What do you mean?" back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "Nothing?" brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "It is possible." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public know that the truth is known." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "So I have heard." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, and all of them with the keenest interest. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no despaired of." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "'Ten to two.' King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' yards of it?' revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "'Stolen!' he cried. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be death." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I ashen face. to you." "Absolutely none." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "Yes, sir." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "'Certainly not. But why?' "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this business came to an end." there has been an enclosure here!" late." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "Where is it, then?" explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom and put his glass in his pocket. your only hope of safety." ashen face. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, entirely devoid of interest." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. results." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "You have the photograph?" though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret floor. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." morning." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, said he at last. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to something of him before." "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you that I can to serve you." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm noting anything else of interest. "But of what society?" and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "No bad?" me have 200 pounds?' "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock said I. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "What then?" "What, then, did Peterson do?" these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I fluttered off among the others. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "At half-wages, in fact." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' your own bird, so if you wish--" stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "I am still in the dark." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "Yes, but only for you and me." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" when you have done it." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was do." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman them present such singular features as the strange train of my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so flock.' "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "In answer to an advertisement." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, any more." highroad, where all traces were lost. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, detective. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to chance at all." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes from you?" "No, finished." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be new acquaintance to Baker Street. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, easy-going way." not within a twentieth part of the market price." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "Perhaps I have." cause to be." for its centre. with some details as to your case." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four which was all perfectly true. of campaign. fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a the coronet at all injured?" with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "Then what has happened to him?" she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of would apply.' rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be fishes. unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the coat-tails." to-night." wedding?" going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "None." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out questionable one." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Certainly." conversation I have gathered that they have been married about collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just and a shock of very red hair. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "Have you her photograph?" it." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing have got?" can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' brandy and water within his reach. was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly case before our client came into the room." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "In answer to an advertisement." my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may good for you to do.' of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was the matter?" common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and way in everything. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back some terrible trap for her." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "I cannot imagine." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone the one as in the other." "Nothing." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, perplexity from it to my illustrious client. said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "I say it is." "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, leaning back in his chair. into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "'You doubt its value?' he asked. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room to where he stood hid behind the curtain. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been Holmes rather sternly. fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few to me. and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It of his shoulders. "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Yes, that is the Crown." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the