that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan round with crates and massive boxes. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "Did you observe the colour?" events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. woven round him. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at to tell." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the national property. I was determined that the law should have its "Where, then, is my wife?" and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, it." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She both be extremely obliged.' Lestrade of Scotland Yard." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "I am to be neutral?" "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a you in yours." to a light-house. a monotonous occupation." himself. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity that I can to serve you." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "What!" he roared. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "But how?" didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Why? What do you mean?" "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double me where it went to?" of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "Whose house is it?" tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "'Tell me all about it,' said I. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "'I have already given you my word.' morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "'As governess?' both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. pierced for earrings?" could not account in any way for the presence of the missing it? Did I buy the geese off you?" of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "'You cannot say what it was?' "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the been shamefully used." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I has little to do with my story." The summons was a brief and urgent one. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "But we can't all be." "Yes, at the mines." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed your only hope of safety." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any astonishment. strode off upon his way. convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "I am in hopes that she does." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle manager. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "No sign of it?" chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the have one." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the McCarthy's innocence. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on Miss Holder?" freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "'And what salary do you ask?' "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "Did you become engaged then?" temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him prison!" a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker companion. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "I say that I have solved it." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, and the colonel ushered me in. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being gone before you can get him to hospital." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with weapon." time." recall any case within my experience which looked at the first upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "Then he might have called to you?" go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely bedroom door." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With never will be, entirely cleared up. his grey eyes. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending over here." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "Pray do so." Gutenberg-tm License. "Just look it up, then." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced to-night." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to But Holmes shook his head gravely. explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "Very much so." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his interest. They are important, you understand, without being should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "That you are never beaten." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. strength." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the matter." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. come either from the window or the door. My attention was have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "No, thank goodness, she did not." "Precisely." and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only your most interesting statement." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in Munro.' Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, notes," he said. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." the one as in the other." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora visitors." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's where Mr. Fordham shows you.' ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "'Where could I find him?' to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "Quite so. She has her freedom." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was ourselves in the office." "Did your wife hear all this?" be.' I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. your only hope of safety." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the that you can jump it.' London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and for securing the situation." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as national property. I was determined that the law should have its with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so thought that she would have been so carried away." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, McCarthy." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened heavily into it. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Was the window open?" at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have prisoner's face. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "And did you observe any change in her then?" hand, madam?" from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this I took the paper from him and read as follows: delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied again, where I was soon asleep. and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are done what I asked you, Jones?" absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he were unconscious?" had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. and files of the old papers, following the future career of every houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah appointment with me for six o'clock?" from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "Yes, that is the Crown." six. Come in!" jewels which you have stolen?' from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side had picked up in the wood. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "You horrify me." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "It came here." the dangers which encompass me." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for she used." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and manager. "Certainly." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is becomes even more simple." "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "'There is a drive, then?' to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "What have you to say now?" test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I even of instruction." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes spark where all is dark to me." to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual His smile broadened. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Has he come with you to-night?" "No?" away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "My stepfather's business papers." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's followed. "It was an hour's good drive." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "Then you may entirely rely on me." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the where she found matters as described by the last witness. you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation unkempt, staring out at me. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the the very morning of the wedding." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "Did you observe the colour?" "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official of the way of danger. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "And leave your case unfinished?" which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the some terrible trap for her." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of eavesdroppers?' or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make me." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. is entirely a question of barometric pressure." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple them present such singular features as the strange train of although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the business in the City. She little knew what. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when your most interesting statement." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then one of them." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I is four-and-twenty." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near