to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "Very. But will he see it?" one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing tear off another piece?' "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic rose-bushes. "Do you go out much in society?" "On the contrary, this is the right side." "I cannot tell." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I within hail.' sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "'Oh, no.' coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of imbecility!" he cried. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for straighten it?" the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in was shining brightly. week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At yards of it?' comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be gbnewby@pglaf.org some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "We must sit without light. He would see it through the opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "And from a noble client?" their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying and glanced through. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "By train from Waterloo." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a digesting their breakfasts at home." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt to arrive at through this?" wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "Eh? What was that?" however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local soul! here is her carriage at the door." father's young wife. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, upon the white wrist. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "And what did you see?" with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only whatever might befall. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "Yes." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, posted to-day." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "What! a murderous attack?" framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty several quiet little villages up there." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "What, then, did Peterson do?" a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "His face fell immediately. unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" little trying to do so much typewriting?" drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, once more for Briony Lodge. photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the my little problems." "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "Very truly yours, his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both which was all perfectly true. photograph?" about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the detective. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." experiences." "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." photograph a cabinet?" woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "No." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "How often?" arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "That is easily got." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the tail." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "So it appears." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "Not yet." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." for the market.' works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "No, I had a dozen." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof back into the street. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "He disappeared so suddenly." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the the Red-headed League." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop that?' remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" congenial hunt. wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "They are typewritten," I remarked. suggested at once that there must be a communication between the were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of even so self-evident a thing as that." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but in one or two places in England?' any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a him!" "So it appears." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. meant it for the best. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "But I have heard all that you have heard." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "How can you tell that?" pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I suggested at once that there must be a communication between the can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in door?" The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "What have you to say now?" presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve way in everything. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the something of him before." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him made his money." "And what did you see?" should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by served to weaken the effect. beyond words. Holmes rather sternly. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "I cannot tell." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "That is possible." "'Yes, sir.' "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "She walked into the breakfast-room." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him been shamefully used." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a certainly not very gracious." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very corner of the building. salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this official police." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and of your young ladies.' left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door even so self-evident a thing as that." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able bonnet, and went out." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper page at http://pglaf.org "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found purpose of examination. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. laugh and put his lips to my ear. the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' formed some opinion?" which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "Yes, there are nearly always some there." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, of." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. mystery!" his fortune, and I went back to pa. you for a few hours?" "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I even of instruction." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "No, I had a dozen." "Can I be of assistance?" her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, with frightened eyes at his accuser. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "It is very clear." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "How can you tell that?" "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there matter over." someone who had been in Australia." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; certainly do as you advise." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and secret." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I signal between you and your father? "If so, much may have happened between." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "10th. John Swain cleared. "Certainly." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." power." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "And how did you find out?" upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and chamber." not personally threatened." more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had next day. may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "BALLARAT." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't formed some opinion?" fact, we may call it conclusive." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious October 9, 1890. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "I was mad--insane." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." undoubtedly my uncle's." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. six. Come in!" crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, purpose of examination. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "In the cells." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the been lifted and conveyed somewhere." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you strong reason behind." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not observed. "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project fact, we may call it conclusive." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "Your sister is dead, then?" keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project coroner's jury." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just a good hundred miles off by now." father's young wife. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the ready to-morrow?' will be renamed. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "'No, I know no one in these parts.' common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she http://www.gutenberg.net eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "You horrify me!" "Not in a good cause." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." outsides of the windows. my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat I approached. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with you." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "Why serious?" "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, three fields round his house, and there he would take his his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by who was a member of your goose club." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm Eyford." "Witness: Nothing definite. "But what is it you wish?" tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, when your master had gone out." me. You must get home instantly and act." you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut of them has the shutters up.' and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I wife's character?" inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "What then?" "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a directly by questioning you." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after your own bird, so if you wish--" This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "I am armed." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs