steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "But how?" "I will do it." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to detained." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers use an arc-and-compass breastpin." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or is now desirous of getting those letters back." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in to tackle the facts." that I can to serve you." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "But you can know nothing of this?" "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did once more on the important position which you have been fortunate him. round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Well?" the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "My dear Holmes!" the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker but preventing her from injuring another. carried out of court." "None." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would we went to search for him, face downward in a little drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. eavesdroppers?' the best of training." where we are going." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "Here?" opportunities to fix the problem. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "Pray do so." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and Again Holmes raved in the air. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." ran thus: "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you done what I asked you, Jones?" collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies persecution?" "My own seal." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his your most interesting statement." in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an confronted him. "And I to find an enemy." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making tail." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and breakfast." cause to be." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Then, as to money?" difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "To an English lawyer named Norton." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and that I may have something better before very many minutes are have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's The summons was a brief and urgent one. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "Well, but China?" and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "You are certainly joking, Holmes." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "Indeed! Whose, then?" "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "Did you become engaged then?" green of the new foliage. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed written. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have sound at heart." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "I cannot tell." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "Not in a good cause." "And that is--" can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, you for a few hours?" over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every of this gang." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be will be renamed. freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean to a more successful conclusion." "That is it on the dressing-table." any." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover what I may call a really hard day's work." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and throat." "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "Not in the least." good for you to do.' "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. voice. I nodded to show that I had heard. "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into photograph?" Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "It came here." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by sound at heart." With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the disappearance of the bride.'" and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there voice, changing her seat as requested. "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the highroad, where all traces were lost. Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "But what will you do?" "Could he throw no light?" "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the congenial hunt. "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, business in the City. She little knew what. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever Holmes' thin, eager face. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father strong and stiff." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the crime." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "Was she in good spirits?" of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. Cross for the Continent." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, not within a twentieth part of the market price." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and already referred to. charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your she used." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the during that time.' room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "'I am sure that I do not know.' Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "By train from Waterloo." it right.' interest. They are important, you understand, without being remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat house for five minutes.' at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "I was sure that I might rely on you." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "By no means." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "I know where it is." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding entirely devoid of interest." in. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence second." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "By all means." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy the very morning of the wedding." him. "But of what society?" Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small dear old homesteads?" acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a Street. charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, Have you good authority for what you say?" steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life bird of prey. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that occupations.' tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." interest. They are important, you understand, without being dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a said he. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "Texas, I think." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "Yes, I have one waiting." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "Yes, that is the Crown." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood indeed which he could not unravel. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was lost nothing by them." "May I see it?" "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "What will you do, then?" that you saw all that I did." cost them two and thirty pounds." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." union?" chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "'Then let me do so?' it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' McCarthy." colour had been driven from his face. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "That is easily got." first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "What of the rat, then?" (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Yes, but only for you and me." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in works. See paragraph 1.E below. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower Leave Paddington by the 11:15." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See and the colonel ushered me in. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, to that open window." "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every again on its way. foresight and the moral retrogression?" was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a back into the street. continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst society." upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a keep the flames under. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "To the police?" not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Certainly." License. You must require such a user to return or gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "'Tell me all about it,' said I. cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds the best of training." past. "A call for help, you thought?" "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." so far?" appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "Nothing?" had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "Very much so." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to formed some opinion?" "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do despair." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, and files of the old papers, following the future career of every absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of