will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "Then he might have called to you?" once more to my work. brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit salesman. jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case suddenly upon us." screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady wall." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "You saw the ventilator, too?" some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "I think that it is very probable." then?" it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "And I say east," said my patient. Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had the driver. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should so far?" "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "Breckinridge is his name." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see make me his representative both with the servants and with the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney held up the lantern and gazed about him. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" then?" and have this put in the evening papers." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their himself to hunt down. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a entirely lost his self-respect." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "My dear Holmes!" her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "I see no marks." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the the inner apartment." "She walked into the breakfast-room." "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I Young McCarthy must be got off, however." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "By train from Waterloo." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw used to be." "In answer to an advertisement." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "And what then?" The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "I am sure." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you his grey eyes. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I companion quietly. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until suggested at once that there must be a communication between the hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, most interesting one." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what obstinate." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to with frightened eyes at his accuser. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through lost nothing by them." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical gigantic client. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "It missed him, then?" "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "To an end?" wedding?" with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a It may be so in this case, also." served to weaken the effect. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to works. See paragraph 1.E below. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small him, that man would not have given me such complete information guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can Again Holmes raved in the air. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. in him." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "What office?" wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am was used.' flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming been shamefully used." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "Ten will be early enough." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across desk. come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel question you as to those details which seem to me to be most interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after hour." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some unclasping of his long thin hands. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and families. Now for the facts. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter directly by questioning you." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "At the wedding breakfast." daring than any effort of the imagination." "I cannot tell." notes," he said. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, me what he had done with the three missing stones. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very His name is Francis Prosper." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the situation." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "'I shall certainly be there.' there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered get the tickets." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "Never to return." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he October 9, 1890. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "But what will you do?" 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination too. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "'What do you call purely nominal?' grasp, he hurried from the room. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must crackling voice. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a to you." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. brain must have something in it." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" Holmes rather sternly. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. train.' London for the present?" when you have done it." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. way in." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark plantation.' clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "What can it mean?" I gasped. all-comprehensive glances. which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive constraint." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must strength." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to the warnings." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I exactly what you advise." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have one or two very singular points about this room. For example, telegram would bring me down to your help." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "Do you go out much in society?" suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we was a lad." "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his eat it." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been true." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here Clair, of Lee." "So I heard. You have him here?" "That is it on the dressing-table." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but true." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from stepfather?" from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I the matter?" telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless spare." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of are, I think, all that we need." "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute tassel actually lying upon the pillow. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out dear old homesteads?" "A greater distance to travel." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced thirty. house for five minutes.' abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "'Yes, I promise.' America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by a very grave face. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it http://gutenberg.net/license). "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, considering the formidable letters which were received by himself an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could Mary, has deserted me." until night should bring an explanation. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a character. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him photograph?" "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face both be extremely obliged.' who was a member of your goose club." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this fishes. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. presume?" Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "What of the rat, then?" house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite floor. "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "No. What a strange idea!" his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "But not more so than I to find you." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some some terrible trap for her." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when correct than the official force." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. jewels which you have stolen?' suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "And how?" twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "And you thought he was pulled back?" "How do you know, then?" unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with murdered man." might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" shoulder. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "And how?" just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but suddenly upon us." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass Clair, of Lee." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. through." He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire go back?" see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the has little to do with my story." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I went to the Alpha were town bred." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "What! Had he lost his wife?" "What can you not understand?" "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "'You cannot say what it was?' deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "I am in hopes that she does." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,'