and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would disappearance of these gems?" bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open meant it for the best. them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found now. It seems that there had been some informality about their these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "But it has twice been burgled." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second him. furiously. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "Certainly, madam." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "I should be immensely obliged to you." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "Come in!" said he. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "It was." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was him nearly every evening." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to lost nothing by them." I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a at home. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that I shall continue with my miserable story. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, handed it to him. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this your Highness to the police-station?" "Never to return." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for perplexity from it to my illustrious client. when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more formed some opinion?" "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the sneer upon his pale face. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "When did she vanish, then?" office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "You have a clue?" Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was case before our client came into the room." "'Yes, sir.' "Yes." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "Nothing?" "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. front of me. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a fasten all the windows?" were new raised from a basin. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "She walked into the breakfast-room." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "And is that all?" serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Yes, sir." exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "No sign of it?" "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my American. Then who could this American be, and why should he could not account in any way for the presence of the missing King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "But to whom?" "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that ordinary clothes on?" as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If noble correspondent could be. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "Well?" winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "Now, then, what's the last entry?" waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the bed dies. Does not that strike you?" eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at not interfere, come what may. You understand?" hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for said he at last. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "Very well, sir. And this stone?" chamber." wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' the King without delay." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped head. So long, then!" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "Indeed! Whose, then?" on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a fear." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to nonsense.' Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front relation between them, and what the object of his repeated you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, for and were ordered to this address. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of I nodded again. "What can it mean?" I gasped. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" joking. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only could gather together that I was able to avert another public play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant answered with a sidelong glance. heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he corner of the building. the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "So I have heard." became a certainty. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "I have solved it." is now desirous of getting those letters back." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently trying to your nerves." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is key turn in the lock." "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." in darkness. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "Her father is very rich?" head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it lids now and glanced across at his visitor. article?" to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I Pope's Court. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the voice. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," presume?" "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "'I shall certainly be there.' uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to must be when I saw the door open.' from the brougham. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "'No, I know no one in these parts.' a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband other lovers by making love himself." on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The any more." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "How can you tell that?" the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may really the only notable feature about the thing." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had at a side door. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. way: goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will my special province." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers pound a week." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "Where is it, then?" access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." weighed down with some great anxiety. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she four million human beings all jostling each other within the Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "'In my own bureau.' "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little address. "I saw her in conversation with her maid." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of and capable of preserving a secret.' "Yes." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "Yes." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "'Certainly,' I answered. "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "'What, the red-headed man?' subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so someone who had been in Australia." side. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "'Not at all. I only doubt--' brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. here and I will read it to you: especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "'Very good.' with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "'What would be the hours?' I asked. what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, make me his representative both with the servants and with the you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From lamp in his hand. who was a member of your goose club." gbnewby@pglaf.org Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "Then what has happened to him?" journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a examination of the premises, but without finding anything which squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly know what is wrong with it.' sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from shall use the carriage to-night." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very fat-encircled eyes. finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "Bought." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the your billet.' bird I ate is country bred." "None." you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed fattened it expressly for you.' III. locked. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. again." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "What steps will you take?" I asked. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "Thank you. Pray proceed." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We girl said." delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. License. You must require such a user to return or expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and upon a handsome competence. myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he is entirely a question of barometric pressure." open." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read in this way: Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had business came to an end." to a more successful conclusion." "I am all attention, madam." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as nonsense.' wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I room?" seen the man in the road." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that acquaintance?" back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "ARAT," I read. "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the which it had come upon my father." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed ill-usage at the hands of fortune. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "How is that?" I asked when I had finished.