earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon kind enough to tell me what I should do." "What, then?" cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "I am in hopes that she does." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned we went to search for him, face downward in a little dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded any." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly characteristics, but those are the more obvious." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that appeared upon the scene." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the infinite languor in his face. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having happened." "Witness: Nothing definite. would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that throat." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." through." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the chance at all." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew the child." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting orange pips. The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "He disappeared so suddenly." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "Quite so. She has her freedom." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "'Never.' quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in plantation.' nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." happened." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do house for five minutes.' "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass maid will bring up your coffee." "He might." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land Holmes' face clouded over. America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." in. tightly behind him. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "What?" King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Not particularly." "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "I have come for advice." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." get her out of the way." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of national property. I was determined that the law should have its Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from here." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the a good hundred miles off by now." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my fear." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with the coronet in his hand?" you do it in twenty minutes!' "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "'Yes, it was gone.' front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a of receipt of the work. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "He is dead," cried several voices. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your where she found matters as described by the last witness. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. II. Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "And what did you learn from him?" "And did you observe any change in her then?" "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it business?" "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you acted in my house last night?" "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it the tragedy. understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, mystery." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "But it has twice been burgled." lamp. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, Holmes' face clouded over. "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "What, then, did Peterson do?" "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was them, and came down just as you departed. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then advice." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! started for the Temple to see my husband. coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "You are hungry," I remarked. "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "You were travelling in the States?" however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did as noiselessly as she had come. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Tired-looking or fresh?" mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the lids now and glanced across at his visitor. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of fatally injured? America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "Then I am your man." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "You think that he is dead?" "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive is so. I know all about McCarthy." any." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was tension within him. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight quite distinctive." II. whereabouts. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" Watson," he said cordially. "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation will not take me long to tell. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "What, then?" see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "I think it very unlikely." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he said I. that I am arrested." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to begun to whiten, even as mine has." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "No, I think that I'll take it." stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, had a long day." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "I don't believe it." had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "But what will you do?" fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. that there was nothing in it, after all." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to night.' said he. advice." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "But she will refuse." me where it went to?" Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their hands. "No, distinctly professional." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the call for protection in the marriage market, for the present society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time him nearly every evening." self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the the date of his supposed suicide." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my I think that I could be of assistance to you." strong reason behind." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "The gentleman I describe." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "From his hat?" "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "He disappeared so suddenly." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the public press." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." writer." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court the Assizes." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project not fit the lock." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" disturbance in my wife." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said woman." of Fenchurch Street." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the But Holmes shook his head gravely. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some sit on the left-hand side of the driver." was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom over his head with a sweet womanly caress. Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, Doctor, of the paper and the date." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of emerged. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "That is it on the dressing-table." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "Then how many are there?" the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them Sutherland. do.' suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "No, I had a dozen." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "When did she vanish, then?" homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and indeed happy." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly intimate personal affairs in this public manner." Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be my secret was safe in his possession. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary which was all perfectly true. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, this man was intellectual?" to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were gone. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "Is he quiet?" The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His through." said he. "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "Nothing?" "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You everything which you would wish to know." I held the little printed slip to the light. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your John Swain, of St. Augustine. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though see me here to avoid scandal." one's self under obligations.' my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "Has he come with you to-night?" passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "Oh, the cause is excellent!" VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons It may be so in this case, also." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready gbnewby@pglaf.org "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "It is half-past ten now." night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We cheerful." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do one of the states of the Union." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that said I. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the and have this put in the evening papers." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" carried out of court." of." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Just look it up, then." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "Pray be precise as to details," said he. Holmes. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen