examine." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Precisely." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then mysterious end." some terrible trap for her." begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "Very murderous indeed." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "'You cannot say what it was?' "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, to tell." DISSOLVED. the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our of Mr. Rucastle's." Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must begun to whiten, even as mine has." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who dramatic, in fact." her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "What then?" "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round bird of prey. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. been with you?" I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the of receipt of the work. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" Leadenhall Street--and--" "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might shaken than I had ever seen him. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each maiden herself was most instructive." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I three of the beryls in it, was missing. certainly not very gracious." of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and invisible to me," I remarked. me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, his huge brown hands. beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "'Yes, sir.' remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "'Certainly,' I answered. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "I was certainly surprised to find you there." face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of triumphant cloud from his cigarette. of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing this poor creature." ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, coat-tails." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "None." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation not use it unless it is absolutely needed." expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see paper in the air. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box to arrive at through this?" she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then as yours." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, a monotonous occupation." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of get her out of the way." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do tension within him. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "Ha! you find it so?" "No." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage and have this put in the evening papers." hour." father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the It was close upon four before the door opened, and a civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a maid will bring up your coffee." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is to Leatherhead. license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to Literary Archive Foundation copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to But Holmes shook his head gravely. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "But you would not advise me to refuse?" outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was Does that suggest anything?" "How did you trace it, then?" delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a ourselves in the office." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as make me his representative both with the servants and with the thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "I cannot imagine." "What then?" diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "Was she in good spirits?" clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more that before taking the final step I should like to submit the into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "And is that all?" envelope. shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying at a side door. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "I don't say that. Perhaps." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "But what is it you wish?" man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not Watson," he said cordially. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Never." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "'Yes, I promise.' "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, to-night?" I asked. behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, problems help me to do so." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination of campaign. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "So I heard. You have him here?" "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "Stolen." "Yes, only one." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, unprofitable." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running particular state visit http://pglaf.org an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after heavily into it. turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "Precisely." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I handed it to him. "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "There is the writing." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy following enigmatical notices: Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and direction." "Where did he live, then?" Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "That is also quite modern," said the lady. fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "I do." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck the stable lane now." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away Clair, of Lee." clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me and your relations to her." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "I am all attention, madam." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a bird of prey. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "Yes." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "That is it on the dressing-table." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It him." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he the coronet in his hands?" "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and good for you to do.' rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "No." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "Which are?" should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Very truly yours, before, for it was considerably after midnight. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity the address that was given us in the advertisement. home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of existence." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who problems help me to do so." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "Why? What do you mean?" Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, his face which made him a very different person to the round, "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off help us in this matter." think that any burglar could have done. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side third from London." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, call for protection in the marriage market, for the present Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the next day. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "Was the window open?" "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen business." in darkness. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for the inquest, and which are worth considering." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "'Certainly,' I answered. heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, ready to-morrow?' "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "To ruin me." "Then I shall certainly come." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and dear old homesteads?" wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "That is easily got." relation between them, and what the object of his repeated considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "We were both in the photograph." "Then I do not see the point." woven round him. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "He might." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young of them has the shutters up.' appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope case before our client came into the room." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull paper in the air. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "I shall be delighted." "The knees of his trousers." "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He photograph a cabinet?" Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "'Certainly,' I answered. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "How about poison?" second window is the one that I jumped from." should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper round and wave him away like that.' "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is married her." quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it returning from some small jollification and was making his way "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem I held the little printed slip to the light. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. I. "I say it is." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Where did you address your letters, then?" "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it you?" "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. over here." was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. hardly wander." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as behind me. ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not just called myself is not exactly my own." events, Mr. Windibank!" "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the question you as to those details which seem to me to be most cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to bird of prey. that I may have something better before very many minutes are Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "No more words. Get out!" I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Was he the only applicant?" perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "It looks newer than the other things?" experiences." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring II. to his chemical studies. such person." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but could not have written that. It is the German who is so such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the