until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is believe that I should never have any practice at all. "Perhaps we may make them less so." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the strength." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp it means?" friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously that you wished to speak to me?' consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." strong reason behind." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace matter." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "My opinion is in no way altered." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at stepfather?" which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A tapping his fingers upon the table. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and case before our client came into the room." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "Do you go out much in society?" peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "The landlord of the Alpha." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. your sleep?' would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "Then I can wait in the next room." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that exactly what you advise." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, written. fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "And when will you call?" half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "Certainly." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have country, and eventually married, without anyone having a to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' weapon." analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We way in everything. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "The doctor?" "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before infinite languor in his face. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I to change my dress. power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "'A dozen yards or so.' which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "'What would be the hours?' I asked. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure bled considerably." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "'A dozen yards or so.' "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor and looked back. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock gentleman's clothes. What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "Awake, Watson?" he asked. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "You have compromised yourself seriously." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this page at http://pglaf.org comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), strong reason behind." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "No." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which During two years I have had three consultations and one small supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "That you are never beaten." generous with you in money matters.' "Why, what do you mean?" delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, in. so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "I know where it is." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "No legal papers or certificates?" when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, direction." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Perfectly so." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "Yes." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup you?" "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend intimate personal affairs in this public manner." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been manager. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "Yes." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a it. "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. Sutherland. "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "It may not come to that," said Holmes. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "I think that it is very probable." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of good for you to do.' Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised himself to hunt down. the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the into the room. the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich manager. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a I took the paper from him and read as follows: "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be conclusions. "I will not look." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the tear off another piece?' should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon get her out of the way." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can have an American origin." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "'I have already given you my word.' London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely golden eyeglasses. imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "Bought." "Was there a secret marriage?" subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope Pope's Court, Fleet Street." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice away into the river." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "She showed me, as I told you she would." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Yes, sir." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the light and attacked it." and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that conclusions. he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, late." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to it? Did I buy the geese off you?" these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the remarked. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "Then I can wait in the next room." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. rose-bushes. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical papers must be those that are destroyed.' You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre business matters.' all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "My dear Holmes!" possible that we could bring him back to her? 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "What then?" explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of ways including including checks, online payments and credit card the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they burst into a hearty fit of laughter. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "I will, Miss Turner." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. hardly wander." strong and stiff." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than I shall continue with my miserable story. dramatic, in fact." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his in the dead of the night?' until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "At what time?" return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "In heaven's name, what for?" fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we me where it went to?" threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. had picked up in the wood. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which occurred." "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "It is his hat." means taking possession of that which another person has a prior pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed look upon these things in a different way." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that before, for it was considerably after midnight. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the his fortune, and I went back to pa. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "A thing like a cleaver," said he. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said sufficient punishment." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus back to my heart. "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "No. His orders were to stay in the house." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "By no means." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, roused himself from his reverie. machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the some place of shelter and let the county police know what has Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see mysterious end." the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "I beg pardon." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. the inner apartment." violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with God! What an exposure! What can I do?" appeal." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William you?" attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" do." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I my secret was safe in his possession. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "And from a noble client?" yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went you in your example." "It is very clear." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "This photograph!" successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "You horrify me!" age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up Pope's Court. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "It goes to the housekeeper's room." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in where Mr. Fordham shows you.' and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as that threaten you." as this. Pray let me have the details." your equipment. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went fear." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at formed some opinion?" Street. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from that?' "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of