and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. papers." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of such attractions and accomplishments?' ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP envelope. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "Ah!" against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls will not take me long to tell. seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I weapon." figure." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of and glanced through. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, DAMAGE. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "I fear not." unkempt, staring out at me. been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, of them has the shutters up.' Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is You can understand that this register and diary may implicate colonel looking down at me. "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. where she found matters as described by the last witness. than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea been deceived." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "Yes. He waved his hands." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about this Miss Turner." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, existence." The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "Which are?" Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can presented which may be striking and bizarre without being at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "How can you tell that?" certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in interested in these little problems, and since you are good official police." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. out." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am and inquire as to the address." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "'Certainly,' I answered. himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "'There is a drive, then?' whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the nonsense.' "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if said I. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, way in everything. can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I washing it down with a long draught of water. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting legal crime." matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that to-night's adventure." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "In what way?" asked Holmes. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "Yes." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us kind enough to tell me what I should do." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "Ha! you find it so?" sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the call for protection in the marriage market, for the present with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "You don't mind breaking the law?" "Yes." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable carried out of court." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" outside. Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "You forget that I know nothing about it." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "Witness: It was. usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I married her." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "Certainly." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "Pray let us have it, for all that." guilty one." pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still or in danger--" envelope. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner during the last few years, and there are many noble families to but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I returning from some small jollification and was making his way point in the dark hollow of his hand. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "But you were on a friendly footing?" "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King better in every way that they should make their position a little The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Yes, but only for you and me." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, newspaper selections." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "I do." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "'What then?' I asked. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had this truth that in these little records of our cases which you the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "Certainly." "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "Yes?" Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even sound at heart." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say sooner or later she must fall a victim. visitors." Holmes' face clouded over. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some drove away. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding formed some opinion?" however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to have established a very serious case against the son of the among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is said he. "I am to be neutral?" old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "Her father is very rich?" professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we are windows in it, of course?" direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to and all of them with the keenest interest. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting British peeress.'" the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as it." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in away to you." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "By train from Waterloo." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand may never be exposed to such a temptation." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled lamp in his hand. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the outside." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which unprecedented a position." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "He slept on the premises." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "'Not at all. I only doubt--' lost his Christmas dinner." "'About the same.' any." who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "And now?" He raised his hand. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "It certainly sounds feasible." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer some water from a caraffe. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard she used." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder indeed happy." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "This photograph!" "I fear not." and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "VIOLET HUNTER." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the kindly on the shoulder. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which the date of his supposed suicide." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "And you thought he was pulled back?" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both once more. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "How on earth--" had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the questioning and rather startled gaze. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her back into the street. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and cost them two and thirty pounds." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow least a most suspicious remark." been with you?" "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and habit of advancing money.' fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. the nursery. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and both be extremely obliged.' upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "In heaven's name, what for?" the iron safe, which he closed upon it. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "One horse?" interjected Holmes. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, is now desirous of getting those letters back." stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended presented which may be striking and bizarre without being singular points about the case. What did the police think of the hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "'I have already given you my word.' country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "No, thank goodness, she did not." "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for success. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "And how did he make his money?" business?" finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "And now?" I asked. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Absolutely none." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I case-book, which he consulted. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to official police." to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "Proceed, then." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery and the church but not where the lady lived." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very Project Gutenberg-tm works. at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "You heard nothing yourself last night?" It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached delirious. had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the useful material for showing traces. The double line a little papers must be those that are destroyed.' "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar matter over." be best to do. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." strength of mind to control. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for for securing the situation." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be fattened it expressly for you.' watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until prepare for the new role I have to play." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should him and tried to hold him back. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the and have this put in the evening papers." carried out of court." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our lips." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I way: had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently any little problem which you may submit to me." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out not interfere, come what may. You understand?" to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the she to prove their authenticity?" her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had States. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all that he has suffered." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The *** START: FULL LICENSE *** for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for