low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old several quiet little villages up there." meanly of me." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with will be renamed. to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid paper in the air. tell me that you intended to go into harness." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "Have you her photograph?" "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, late!' States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there a very grave face. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser to tackle the facts." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and searched, without anything being found which could incriminate married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. what is your own theory as to what took place?" when you have done it." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my This is what he says: cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have cause to be." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from orange pips. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, pound a week." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Seven!" I answered. typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "What is it, then--a fire?" certainly do as you advise." I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six this as likely?" you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which mystery may be cleared along those lines." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest our word." "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the have established a very serious case against the son of the Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train been with you?" to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. to take care of herself." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. Eyford." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "The landlord of the Alpha." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the there in twenty minutes." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the situation." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or sneer upon his pale face. remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all place of silver." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless as this. Pray let me have the details." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was redistribution. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with there were one or two details which were new to me. But the drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do the general public were present, then?" John Swain, of St. Augustine. I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my digesting their breakfasts at home." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days said he at last. "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms Edgeware Road. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you of the one which your family is now devouring." enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke to arrive at through this?" "And help." though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could colour had been driven from his face. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's keep the flames under. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting most important business. It is probable that he will be away all the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." would then never go into court at all." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls side. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "There is the writing." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to distance from the station, and there we found the young lady as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. written. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no into the bag, and made for the door. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "Pray continue your narrative." drove away. "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to you?" screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he politicians who had been sent down from the North. is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "Then how many are there?" "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "And help." error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, do.' "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little mystery." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by his grey eyes. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "Yes. He waved his hands." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "I guessed as much." description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to second." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "It is to him that this trophy belongs." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is place no limit on the sum I may draw." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a that you saw all that I did." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with must be when I saw the door open.' my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "The Cedars?" town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes said he. more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence is now desirous of getting those letters back." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in other lovers by making love himself." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "Pray do so." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to the bottom.' the running down." once more. broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as strength in the others." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person went to the Alpha were town bred." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Precisely so. But how--" and the church but not where the lady lived." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "But I have heard all that you have heard." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "Why, what do you mean?" hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that and I shall be with you presently." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think be best to do. shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the voice. have been better. It is all right." indeed happy." central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will Again Holmes raved in the air. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows side. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it 11:15.' "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl him, that man would not have given me such complete information "And did you observe any change in her then?" room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going any." noting anything else of interest. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to locked." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm been deceived." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "It is his hat." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant annoyance, but no jest. "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "Tired-looking or fresh?" again on its way. which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation go from here to the Strand." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since open." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of Young McCarthy must be got off, however." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not said he at last. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "My Mary? Impossible!" Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "What I expected to see." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "Precisely." against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not girl said." dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is felt?" about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "And now?" He raised his hand. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and back into the street. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Yes, all." held up the lantern and gazed about him. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to go from here to the Strand." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep shall not find me ungrateful." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the learned something! Where are the gems?" "That is not always so easy." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in knowledge of the world." the station." handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "Entirely." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "There are none." politicians who had been sent down from the North. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." late!' The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, strange features which were associated with the two crimes which strength of mind to control. until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "'And the work?' he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "In heaven's name, what for?" results." now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire subject to the trademark license, especially commercial problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "Texas, I think." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "I see no marks." whether it answered to the description of any of their could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two IS this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in newspaper selections." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "You horrify me!" Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. our word." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." several quiet little villages up there." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. locked. was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind case-book, which he consulted. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself God! What an exposure! What can I do?" examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." occurred." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for memory. on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the