bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that one of the states of the Union." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over matter." This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" It was close upon four before the door opened, and a the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel his wife has ceased to love him." "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and wedding?" own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds against a man in the prime of life?" delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "Won't it ring?" this remarkable episode. a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town go from here to the Strand." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "No." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am really the only notable feature about the thing." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they said he. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you way: edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "What shall I do?" finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary You can understand that this register and diary may implicate provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had the Friday. Was it to be in church?" with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "Yes, he did." Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the highly," said Holmes. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "What! a murderous attack?" came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Yes, I have one waiting." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "Deserted you?" tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not shag which I had seen upon the previous night. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "You were travelling in the States?" it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "I am armed." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "And Miss Sutherland?" "Precisely so. But how--" the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you peculiar to him. "'Which dealer's?' third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all But Holmes shook his head gravely. power." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "'Ten to two.' He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy look dissatisfied." he. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "On Monday." James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. of the one which your family is now devouring." legal crime." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to works. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must you in yours." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the mystery." "I was mad--insane." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it to arrive at through this?" "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, Leadenhall Street--and--" someone who had been in Australia." morning." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of suddenly upon us." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "No." Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, be sorry for having acted so harshly." beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of bird of prey. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "Yes, it was twisted." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I in your London, you will know that the office of the company is the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "I am to be neutral?" for securing the situation." about here speaks of his kindness to him." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "ARAT," I read. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "Of Friday, June 19th." plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last distance from the station, and there we found the young lady should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of bonnet, and went out." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the States. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been you." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I out." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, the coroner come to?" congenial hunt. "And the murderer?" takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "There is the writing." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and conceal it?" "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. of his shoulders. "Yes. He waved his hands." treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "What will you do, then?" in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that fasten all the windows?" unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He feature." so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "But how?" "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come face and glided from the room. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." is so. I know all about McCarthy." was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the of the vacancies.' speckled band?" without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence corner of the building. the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was upon an income of about 60 pounds." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "But the mystery?" acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" that threaten you." case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. dear old homesteads?" turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two at a side door. comes from the middle window." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project my former friend and companion. the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "Have you it here?" 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "And I to find an enemy." lumber-room." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. the inner apartment." "Yes." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "But how will you look?" when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "Indeed! Whose, then?" away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "I have hopes." present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "Do you know him?" his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "It came here." away into the river." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "'As governess?' bell. Holmes whistled. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the intrusion of other matters." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. opportunities to fix the problem. not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a straightened it out again. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "From his hat?" sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to Lestrade of Scotland Yard." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was test if we have an answer to our advertisement." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. Pool. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. front of the hall door has given its name to the place. had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I crime. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and was keenly on my guard against him. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a III. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other said he. our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was voice. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have strange features which were associated with the two crimes which without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain as he remarks, very much against the son." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. noting anything else of interest. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "'Stolen!' he cried. went to the Alpha were town bred." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "Not I." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "I should like to see him very much." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room know what is wrong with it.' lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "The gentleman I describe." house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for hair?' "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, place no limit on the sum I may draw." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or three fields round his house, and there he would take his liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "Nothing." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know and all of them with the keenest interest. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's plantation.' hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "It goes to the housekeeper's room." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down was once confined in the cab my mission was practically weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his should be so warm over such a trifle." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at writing, and yet I know it well." hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "And how in the world did you find them?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and clanging. but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the