vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, voice, changing her seat as requested. "Then you may entirely rely on me." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." than was visible to me." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "The decline of his fortunes, then?" neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become in one or two places in England?' "Yes." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "'Certainly not.' burst into a hearty fit of laughter. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." strode off upon his way. "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." interests were the same as his." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive hands. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot shag which I had seen upon the previous night. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming and no precautions can guard against." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest before, for it was considerably after midnight. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I upon a handsome competence. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Tired-looking or fresh?" "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless situation." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't invisible to me," I remarked. "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "No. His orders were to stay in the house." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated off." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he not personally threatened." certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his peculiar to him. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "But you have hopes?" you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the 1.F. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of furiously. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the tail." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "To an English lawyer named Norton." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another and the church but not where the lady lived." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a generous with you in money matters.' had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. morning." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." hour." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached who was a member of your goose club." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "I have hopes." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may what these perils are?" Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might was lame." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that considering the formidable letters which were received by himself as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, with the outside air!" window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and and I shall be with you presently." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "I came to find a friend." "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a me. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain the King without delay." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, may have an influence upon European history." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "Nor running a chance of arrest?" Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be so.' They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "And leave your case unfinished?" "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his vague figure huddled up in the darkness. I nodded to show that I had heard. estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress allusion to a rat. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion trying to your nerves." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be about. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been a little more before I quite committed myself. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a ceremony." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here man. I know him from the photograph." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the hour." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old keep the flames under. "You have a clue?" he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. tension within him. mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight Holmes' thin, eager face. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "Where, indeed?" affair. seen the man in the road." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less only touch the interest." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "Thank you. And your address?" this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "And you thought he was pulled back?" "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "Dark enough and sinister enough." until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the said I. shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the do you make of it all?" all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The province." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite about. "What! You do not mean bodies?" "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "Not in the least." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black which was all perfectly true. it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more It may be so in this case, also." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both any little problem which you may submit to me." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to least a fellow-countryman. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. ventilator." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "And you thought he was pulled back?" you give your casting vote to?" up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to do." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "No, finished." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "But his lameness?" "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case better in every way that they should make their position a little "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of envelope. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, you in yours." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "Yes." freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester tell me that you intended to go into harness." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from silent! Oh, he will be silent!' disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I Sutherland?" "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a like gravel from a pit.' vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I 11:15.' "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "Certainly." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. dramatic, in fact." other, as fresh and trim as possible. that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "But you were on a friendly footing?" 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the through." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no about. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom impression behind it as though a window had gently closed heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "Yes, from Horsham." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. to affect your life." "No more words. Get out!" door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless even so self-evident a thing as that." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." morning." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical The summons was a brief and urgent one. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Eh? What was that?" he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "'Certainly,' I answered. "But his left-handedness." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. there is a decided draught." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced III. "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock nice household for a young lady." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of IS the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back not, dad?" she asked. was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers criminal. We have already had experience of such." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "That is easily got." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your prison!" room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a conceal it?" have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by even of instruction." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have the side-table." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought beyond words. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There way in everything. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his habit of advancing money.' "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to other, as fresh and trim as possible. future lives." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Dark enough and sinister enough." "And did you observe any change in her then?" "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, past. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "Dark enough and sinister enough." gone before you can get him to hospital." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the Holmes' face clouded over. Street. predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in begin with, and I had not got mine yet." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "'Certainly not. But why?' age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "The knees of his trousers." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that