"'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' in a very precise fashion." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if murdered man." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would burst into a hearty fit of laughter. south, for the country is more deserted there." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "'What then?' I asked. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds she to prove their authenticity?" his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "Not him." prepare for the new role I have to play." trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Then I shall certainly come." "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and hopeless attempt at recovering them." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "Certainly." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, as the one I chose?' he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "'Never.' mysterious business." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, Henry Baker is a member." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he Pope's Court. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project families. Now for the facts. phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon approach us with offers to donate. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the her also." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An politicians who had been sent down from the North. but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "'Is 4 pounds a week.' I nodded again. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." was a lad." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "I say that I have solved it." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At fuss that is made over them." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were throat." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he that?' "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we neither fascinating nor artistic." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert 1.F. them?" have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "My private note-paper." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I point in the dark hollow of his hand. the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy tail." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "The knees of his trousers." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so was it brought him the coronet? the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "'Entirely.' quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, were unconscious?" But Holmes shook his head gravely. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the who was a member of your goose club." to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in is so. I know all about McCarthy." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the absolutely follow my advice in every respect." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal relief. to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "Not particularly." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "He said too much." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "And your mother is alive?" but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Yes, there are nearly always some there." decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird that, and I came down." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "On Monday." "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached even of instruction." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, opportunities to fix the problem. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "That is easily got." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching morning." begun to whiten, even as mine has." ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "Nor running a chance of arrest?" money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, fish-monger and a tide-waiter." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, suggested at once that there must be a communication between the As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to prisoner's face. galvanised. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "But not more so than I to find you." "I cannot tell." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the standing smiling on the door-step. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have his face. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "He might." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the will not take me long to tell. Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "That is also quite modern," said the lady. detained." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she him. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper sufficient punishment." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, foresight and the moral retrogression?" imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical noble correspondent could be. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of than was visible to me." think you a quite exceptional woman." wedding?" I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen his eyes and forehead. accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile will he say when he returns?" away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" James Windibank. Voilà tout!" should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been brain must have something in it." the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of congenial hunt. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "And it is--" yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now seen the man in the road." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "And is that all?" "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "Yes, it would be as well." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." colonel looking down at me. difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows Literary Archive Foundation towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man Literary Archive Foundation "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to memory. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "Yes." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. husband's writing, madam." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "This concluded the examination of the witness." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love The King stared at him in amazement. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which man. "I cannot say that I have." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in the window, rose as we entered. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "What is it?" From what you have told me I think that it is possible that upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one in. corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "And why in hopes?" "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "And you can do nothing until then?" It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "Yes, from Horsham." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's secret." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from directors, with the result that you have seen." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "But his left-handedness." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of business." "'Where could I find him?' "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Which surely he restored to their owner?" About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no likely to be some crony of the landlady's." matter over." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it in a friendly supper." "I have come for advice." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "When did she vanish, then?" corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "How are you getting on?" "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman certainly not very gracious." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean friends, not even his own brother. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into brandy and water within his reach. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! business." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you along the entire front of the house, with three long windows have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be must be when I saw the door open.' the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I meant." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "I cannot tell." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this without success. At last the little money which I had saved began and looked back. "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to the devil!" "In San Francisco, a year ago." "So it appears." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for enter into my head. that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we upon a handsome competence. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would a few minutes he said that it would be all right. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come this remarkable episode. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "Pray let us have it, for all that." one's self under obligations.' case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "Then I shall certainly come." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As