"Yes." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and II. three fields round his house, and there he would take his fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, burst into a hearty fit of laughter. money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which which our visitor detailed to us. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual murdered man." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose your equipment. "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "I should wish to." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously formed some opinion?" would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for nonsense.' "But of what society?" case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "But you can know nothing of this?" there were so many in the whole country as were brought together a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "But what is it you wish?" backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "Yes, only one." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he know what is wrong with it.' then?" disappearance of these gems?" Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I next day. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "Why did you beat the pavement?" Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of has little to do with my story." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we certainly not very gracious." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the the general public were present, then?" chance." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "We must sit without light. He would see it through the He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "Seven!" I answered. little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before desk. had this final quarrel? "Yes, all." galvanised. there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning so.' Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "The knees of his trousers." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm way in." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. of receipt of the work. The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter hard-headed British jury." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "My last client of the sort was a king." behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "I will get her to show me." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that over with notes and figures. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated this poor creature." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the if only as a check to my own memory." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Were they all fastened this morning?" was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you into the room. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "Yes, that is the Crown." "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and introspective fashion. held up the lantern and gazed about him. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of trying to your nerves." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, 'please.'" "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "Witness: I must still refuse. "Then how many are there?" think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I discontent upon his features. more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The my room." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are chance at all." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." second." case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre forecastle of an emigrant ship. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in back into the street. town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped himself. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, down from London to inquire more deeply into it." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out and the colonel ushered me in. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I weary and pale-looking. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. sofa. This way, please!" "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly formed some opinion?" conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia highly," said Holmes. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "No, finished." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to better in every way that they should make their position a little without a word or a look. whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "Was he the only applicant?" hurried away. "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "It is very clear." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "Not I." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "Not in a good cause." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated everything which you would wish to know." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Thank you. Pray proceed." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges colour had been driven from his face. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something of the one which your family is now devouring." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "Texas, I think." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, weapon." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water the iron safe, which he closed upon it. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. chamber." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are annoyance, but no jest. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "Then you may entirely rely on me." "Just look it up, then." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre think you a quite exceptional woman." really the only notable feature about the thing." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. again, where I was soon asleep. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is followed. what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly Clair, of Lee." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her Street. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle never to learn it at all." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "10th. John Swain cleared. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." was a perfect sample of the class. face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good just ask you whether you had heard it.' "I answered that I had not. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 I nodded to show that I had heard. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray you, my dear young lady?' handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need definite end. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my place no limit on the sum I may draw." over here." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Will you go?" which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "Where did you address your letters, then?" As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on cigar and let me expound." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set business came to an end." "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "But I have heard all that you have heard." with frightened eyes at his accuser. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be 1.E.9. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and into the room. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that there were so many in the whole country as were brought together foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is skylight. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you likely to be some crony of the landlady's." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "What is it?" "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend something of him before." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "We must have a cab." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the there was no need for father to know." burst out into a roar of laughter. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be seem to you to be relevant or not." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE were new raised from a basin. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "Now, then, what's the last entry?" cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were there!' "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." chambers. the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "Not particularly." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of Countess of Morcar's?" dead, shall be safe with us." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. me have 200 pounds?' incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "Which surely he restored to their owner?" delirious. I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. foresight and the moral retrogression?" stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I be there in time for your coming." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Tired-looking or fresh?" bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive she slowly sank and died without having recovered her second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too question. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the and looked back. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, telegram would bring me down to your help." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal such person." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "Well?" long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "'No, I know no one in these parts.' system of imprisonment?" eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately