and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, papers on the sundial.'" dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "Then, how do you know?" word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been a good hundred miles off by now." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "'Most admirably.' touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "'Stolen!' he cried. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "My dear Holmes!" Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular him, that man would not have given me such complete information dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled to a light-house. thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "I have come for advice." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "No. What a strange idea!" where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "Ah, but I was recommended to you." say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a is four-and-twenty." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, Surrey." golden eyeglasses. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "An accident, I presume?" said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "Precisely." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, characteristics, but those are the more obvious." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "Pray do so." "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming in the hope of finding them." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "You have compromised yourself seriously." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter morning." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "Proceed, then." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates the morning and make my own way in the world.' the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall who was a member of your goose club." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "Look there!" said he. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "Yes." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I me upon any point which I do not make clear." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. quick march!" The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "What I expected to see." "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "'There is a drive, then?' waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just vanished into the darkness. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." eat it." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, drawing your inferences." "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me swore that no one else had been in the front room during the back to my heart. "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "Has he come with you to-night?" here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "What!" he roared. "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the tied." your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then the morning and make my own way in the world.' the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. Doctor, of the paper and the date." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was nonsense.' Pope's Court, Fleet Street." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "It looks newer than the other things?" dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few off." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "She told me to ask you." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "No, I am descending." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than the general public were present, then?" "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his outbreak?" have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the and I shall be with you presently." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my writers could invent nothing more crude." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. to-night?" I asked. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "I should like to see him very much." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, you found me to-night--and running through the front room she until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," appeared upon the scene." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "No, I think that I'll take it." "It came here." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. little trying to do so much typewriting?" "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per other, as fresh and trim as possible. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not cup of tea. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." undoubtedly my uncle's." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You hopeless attempt at recovering them." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is stepfather?" the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "What is it, then--a fire?" seen the man in the road." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. back into the street. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain in your London, you will know that the office of the company is confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and business came to an end." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Perhaps I have." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "How long did she speak to this Alice?" he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements sake, don't!" I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a way: his face. total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "I will try. What is it?" how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this leaning back in his chair. as this. Pray let me have the details." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "Quite so." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "Why? What do you mean?" is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The girl said." to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "On your arm?" loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you bore every mark of being an average commonplace British affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know already been minutely examined." "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can fattened it expressly for you.' All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several purpose equally well?" way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke disturbance in my wife." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he paper in the air. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "Just look it up, then." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a DISSOLVED. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "So I heard. You have him here?" both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "'And what salary do you ask?' it." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling crowd. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be sentimental considerations in the background which would induce I shall communicate with you." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to is a common subject for conversation. of the vacancies.' matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the them, and came down just as you departed. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "That is it on the dressing-table." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "'What, the red-headed man?' an introduction to him?" walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love bled considerably." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It the armchair which I pushed forward for him. It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my beg that you will break it off." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "But you were on a friendly footing?" hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. and have this put in the evening papers." happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes that I can to serve you." child?' that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" said I. "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "Yes, I have one waiting." ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask delighted to hear it," he said. advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, guilty one." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are to you." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have writing, and yet I know it well." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, and shall probably return to London by the evening train." said I. cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your system of imprisonment?" "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship questionable one." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, his huge brown hands. "How did he come?" "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, unprecedented a position." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it me. window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem always that they were such commands as a lady might with fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "The doctor?" gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose leave you to your papers for a little." 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "Certainly." developed." his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "What steps will you take?" I asked. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. have I gained?" ill-usage at the hands of fortune. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I along the entire front of the house, with three long windows erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend business at Coburg Square is serious." me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "When did it break out?" He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of yards of it?' "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter I am not easy in my mind about them." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" hopeless attempt at recovering them." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very asked. discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. six. Come in!" ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "No sign of it?" Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "It is solved." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away