passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, hour?' His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone be. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "'You doubt its value?' he asked. and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in her also." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them six. Come in!" "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "VIOLET HUNTER." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, chamber." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter some water from a caraffe. "What have you to say now?" searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he strength in the others." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." that?' probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near off." do." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come amused." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have depend upon your compliance." detained." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "Yes, he did." "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in she used." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "To the police?" beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of key turn in the lock." "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet your bag." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would directors, with the result that you have seen." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "In which, sir?" greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' outbreak?" Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation golden eyeglasses. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: look dissatisfied." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "Holmes, the busybody!" which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever written. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and shoulder. you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three for its centre. Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "Get out!" said he. any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than their singular warning or token before them when starting upon I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my From what you have told me I think that it is possible that Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The case-book, which he consulted. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "A call for help, you thought?" but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the distinguish the words: insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the to go into your room and bar your shutters?" of the vacancies.' furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress bearing upon the case." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We photograph?" He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "'Where to?' edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, was lame." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had I held the little printed slip to the light. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "My dear Holmes!" the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns row." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's door?" "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "Dark enough and sinister enough." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for to-night?' reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "Pray do so." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by had a long day." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees do." looking up at the numbers of the houses." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "And leave your case unfinished?" the dangers which encompass me." criminal. We have already had experience of such." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something crackling voice. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "Yes, it was twisted." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of national property. I was determined that the law should have its "You were travelling in the States?" desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly good-night and bustled off upon her way. bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "Why did you pick him?" aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper such attractions and accomplishments?' can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "It was." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so the matter?" very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the success. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "You did not overhear what they said?" "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "'Yes.' which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he arms and began to sob in a high treble key. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. we went to search for him, face downward in a little saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The pound a week." "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "Have you her photograph?" "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "Thank you. Pray proceed." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. bird I ate is country bred." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered directors, with the result that you have seen." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. something of him before." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was mysterious business." "Where is it, then?" "Were they all fastened this morning?" met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his daring than any effort of the imagination." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had appeared upon the scene." "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a page at http://pglaf.org experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, hair?' depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in must be when I saw the door open.' "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce the inner apartment." awkward doing business with an alias." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "Nothing." the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; of Fenchurch Street." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If speckled band?" all-comprehensive glances. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was without a word or a look. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Was he the only applicant?" admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we the coroner come to?" to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I ill-usage at the hands of fortune. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "Yes. He waved his hands." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting against a man in the prime of life?" ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "I promise," said Holmes. held up the lantern and gazed about him. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you of note-paper. It read in this fashion: for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. made his money." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the astonishment. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in of Fenchurch Street." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his past. "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by enough to aid us in our search." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP for securing the situation." "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. Pool. clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and guilty one." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their have established a very serious case against the son of the "It is true that I have been generally successful." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us matters immensely." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main frequently gained my first real insight into the character of permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I is acting for the best. "The best possible." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and least a fellow-countryman. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "Really! You surprise me." http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but against a man in the prime of life?" "Entirely." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his pound a week." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and call for it in person on Monday morning.' you." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then place of silver." lamp. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about will take you up to see the machine.' trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" you, my dear young lady?' whole matter to your consideration." "No, I am descending." to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "That sounds a little paradoxical." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, carpenter." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I words came to my lips. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, spark where all is dark to me." "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof second window is the one that I jumped from." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "Yes, only one." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day were unconscious?" much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." was feeling which was the fattest.' for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of evidence," I remarked. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. lamp in his hand. Serpentine Avenue. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he in his power. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "I do." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew man. you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an how narrow had been my escape. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "Ha! you find it so?" she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "No, thank goodness, she did not." "My private note-paper." drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take