adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." back into the street. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and nice household for a young lady." DISSOLVED. lectures into a series of tales." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought forehead. Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. said I. whereabouts. sufficient punishment." "No, I had a dozen." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. touch that coronet?' inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." upon an income of about 60 pounds." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. to you." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Yes. He waved his hands." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to Gutenberg-tm License. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into had picked up in the wood. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass row." from you?" "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, despair." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in o'clock is it?" "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during unclasping of his long thin hands. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. to his chemical studies. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. correct than the official force." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "Never to return." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come fattened it expressly for you.' in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long McCarthy's innocence. "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "Very well, sir. And this stone?" lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "'Yes, sir.' could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. union?" at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or grasp, he hurried from the room. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, morning." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose not interfere, come what may. You understand?" considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "Can I be of assistance?" impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid asked. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Quite so. She has her freedom." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me will be renamed. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap indeed which he could not unravel. chance." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who happened." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, we went to search for him, face downward in a little "I was mad--insane." "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we fear." "And help." interested in these little problems, and since you are good "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good him, that man would not have given me such complete information gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the into the bag, and made for the door. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat thirty. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said this poor creature." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" next day. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to you?' before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible business in the City. She little knew what. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her examine." "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "But you can know nothing of this?" that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs highroad, where all traces were lost. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. meant." nothing with him." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "This concluded the examination of the witness." "That was it, sir." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' a few minutes he said that it would be all right. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and which we had just quitted. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "No. What a strange idea!" "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by the station." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "I am armed." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not because she had spent so short a time in this country that she the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in and wait." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "I will not look." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever that, and I came down." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "'Is 4 pounds a week.' Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both existence." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest hopeless attempt at recovering them." memory. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who public press." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "My Mary? Impossible!" interests were the same as his." indeed which he could not unravel. "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of golden eyeglasses. conclusions. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "Then I shall certainly come." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first murdered man." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, legal crime." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the cheerful." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was extraordinary contortions. collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just the inquest, and which are worth considering." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little outbreak?" "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together populous neighbourhood." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "Perhaps we may make them less so." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "You have the photograph?" and I shall be with you presently." invisible to me," I remarked. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "And how did you find out?" "It is possible." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' quite distinctive." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "But to whom?" was already answered. granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, disturbance in my wife." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there fear." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "It must be recovered." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "Yes, at the mines." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out the inquest, and which are worth considering." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. could gather together that I was able to avert another public that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no as noiselessly as she had come. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I village inn over there?" Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee status with the IRS. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The think you a quite exceptional woman." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' telegram would bring me down to your help." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "'I shall certainly be there.' would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and congenial hunt. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "'Ample.' gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "But how could you guess what the motive was?" experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' to miss it." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her his cane at the bell-pull. neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high colonel looking down at me. stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which one of the states of the Union." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old DAMAGE. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came his eyes and forehead. Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham papers must be those that are destroyed.' this truth that in these little records of our cases which you it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." Munro.' of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "'In my own bureau.' compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "None." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It eavesdroppers?' "Your French gold?" "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been begin with, and I had not got mine yet." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. that you wished to speak to me?' feature." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the the window, rose as we entered. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "None." the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit the roots. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is speckled band?" he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a enough to aid us in our search." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I deduce something from that?" without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "We have tried and failed." who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "Quite so." "Yes. He waved his hands." "I don't believe it." "Yes." disappearance of the bride.'" Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my have had none more fantastic than this." the stones. "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "It surprised me." which it had come upon my father." locked." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "I cannot tell." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant that you wished to speak to me?' appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an girl said." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had key turn in the lock." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Breckinridge is his name." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should which our visitor detailed to us. another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "Ah!" We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all