he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP their singular warning or token before them when starting upon would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "To an English lawyer named Norton." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, where we are going." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "What then?" of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, to Leatherhead. "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a It was close upon four before the door opened, and a my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "Where is it, then?" my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "It is possible." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass imbecility!" he cried. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each than to us. "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "Get out!" said he. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "At the wedding breakfast." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may the roots. "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and like that before?" some terrible trap for her." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with guilty one." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "It was an hour's good drive." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. I am not easy in my mind about them." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, Miss Holder?" empty. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of grasp, he hurried from the room. can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in towards the blaze. his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in His name is Francis Prosper." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "And how did you verify them?" "The rest you will leave in our hands." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his a room. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered was a perfect sample of the class. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the delighted to hear it," he said. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's Cross for the Continent." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence where we are going." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "But she could not love him." voice, changing her seat as requested. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to sound at heart." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in to affect your life." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. outside." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came Again Holmes raved in the air. "Who was the criminal, then?" could not have written that. It is the German who is so she used." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I introspective fashion. union?" springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "No. What a strange idea!" which our visitor detailed to us. his cane at the bell-pull. "'Stolen!' he cried. her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me Street. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "'Most admirably.' "I warn you that they are very incomplete." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and note?" - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring them present such singular features as the strange train of "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "Yes?" work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "Yes, all." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you electronic works Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "Which surely he restored to their owner?" the coronet at all injured?" might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "I see no marks." had died away into the silence from which it rose. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "But we can't all be." "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "And that is--" adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "At what time?" been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR o'clock is it?" of campaign. shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "How about poison?" I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two not interfere, come what may. You understand?" first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions absorbing." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was it? Did I buy the geese off you?" danger is over." "Ten will be early enough." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in know all about it," he snarled. "Precisely." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "Yes, that is the Crown." "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "Nothing." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "How often?" uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were wedding?" adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "By no means." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at salesman. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently troubles have been weighing upon his mind. I nodded again. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Ten will be early enough." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am or other trace. But how on earth--" of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. will take you up to see the machine.' take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "What do you mean?" probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "What!" he roared. it." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" tapping his fingers upon the table. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought over here." pictures, libraries, or plate. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had assist you in forming an opinion." called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. corner of the building. "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed case before our client came into the room." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless and laid it on the table. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent more terrible than the truth. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such threw himself down with his face to the pillow. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "It is no ordinary one." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' disappearance of these gems?" of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear door?" business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "None. Neville wrote those words." read over the extraordinary announcement. run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the his eyes and forehead. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "That is it on the dressing-table." "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are Holmes' thin, eager face. "You have but to name it." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "No legal papers or certificates?" was a perfect sample of the class. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while once more for Briony Lodge. man. "Tired-looking or fresh?" is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "And why in hopes?" said he, "my real name is James Ryder." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" him and tried to hold him back. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." a little more before I quite committed myself. were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a he died? grasp, he hurried from the room. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "To ruin me." impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would in one or two places in England?' "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. sound at heart." room had already been engaged for us. were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and Pool. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not hopeless attempt at recovering them." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. Surrey." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "You know me, then?" but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "Which are?" made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter attention." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that arrangements." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "What then?" the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. is," said he presently: brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "Where is it, then?" engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "I cannot as yet see any connection." discontent upon his features. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." guilty one." "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life himself in a perplexing position. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the For additional contact information: "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his here and I will read it to you: know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was make me his representative both with the servants and with the "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "Tired-looking or fresh?" father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the impression behind it as though a window had gently closed The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a call you and give you the chance." "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab a good hundred miles off by now." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "I fear not." too. shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like