"We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your footfalls from the street. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "Murdered?" very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "'A dozen yards or so.' be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither unprofitable." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord hands. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" province." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know to have been novel and of interest." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "'Where to?' front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, prisoner's face. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "Not I." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "Seven!" I answered. tapping his fingers upon the table. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next the salesman. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, a little more before I quite committed myself. return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, could go. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock this poor creature." correct than the official force." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. had died away into the silence from which it rose. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "That is easily got." "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. was used.' eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." good-night and bustled off upon her way. "Where did he live, then?" and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "He is still with you, I presume?" in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "I have solved it." Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon little trying to do so much typewriting?" Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on to tell." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in could not have written that. It is the German who is so him!" village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all maid will bring up your coffee." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." your own bird, so if you wish--" if only as a check to my own memory." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning asked with his eyes open. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present forebodings. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by were wasted." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "'Certainly,' I answered. goes." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "It is his hat." colonel looking down at me. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "I answered that I had not. "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "Then what has happened to him?" I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be His smile broadened. from you?" Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Then I do not see the point." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under shall use the carriage to-night." going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding wanted for ourselves." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, fact, we may call it conclusive." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "Pray let us have it, for all that." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My few hundred pounds.' across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to legal crime." air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion depend upon your compliance." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "I do." thirty. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" what these perils are?" part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "'It is locked up,' I answered. squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "It is possible." are, I think, all that we need." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, your co-operation." front of me. there in twenty minutes." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, wanted for ourselves." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "What can you not understand?" "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "Why? What do you mean?" Again Holmes raved in the air. grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat in your London, you will know that the office of the company is with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had fatally injured? devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our what do you think they found in the pockets?" "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "My opinion is in no way altered." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "And how did he make his money?" "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was it right.' for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of nothing of it?" "Perfectly so." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "Oh, yes, easily." secret." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of possible that we could bring him back to her? telegram would bring me down to your help." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." the driver. "You think so, too?" have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "I am sure." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "My photograph." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Then I can wait in the next room." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in knowledge of the world." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' place, I think that there is good ground to think that the things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works infinite languor in his face. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in matter." Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my with you?" same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I started for the Temple to see my husband. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few Edgeware Road. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "Well, but China?" laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and your most interesting statement." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said October 9, 1890. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "On your arm?" "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Game for a morning drive?" said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, his grey eyes. tell him that I know him to be innocent." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. of them has the shutters up.' was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "That is also quite modern," said the lady. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all made his money." pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? just called myself is not exactly my own." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "And I to find an enemy." ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the own family. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside she to prove their authenticity?" friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "And why in hopes?" unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "Do you go out much in society?" to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had his grey eyes. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "But how?" said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money never will be, entirely cleared up. sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I of it with the greatest attention. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "It is very kind of you." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from your co-operation." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A Surrey." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand passage and a tap at the door. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "The murder was done with it." "Where did you address your letters, then?" guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." pictures, libraries, or plate. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating yet." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "Then, as to money?" "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to results." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "In what way?" asked Holmes. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "No more words. Get out!" It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were at home. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "Certainly." "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of in a friendly supper." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler the Assizes." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the the loss of it. all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His your only hope of safety." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "Could he throw no light?" "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "By train from Waterloo." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in during the last few years, and there are many noble families to wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course one's self under obligations.' fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very the one as in the other." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "What?" Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met were wasted." "But I have heard all that you have heard." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray galvanised. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still where she found matters as described by the last witness. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but