most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I look upon these things in a different way." "What office?" "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I photograph?" very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "VIOLET HUNTER." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "And when will you call?" however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "A client, then?" lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of Stoke Moran." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us The police have openly confessed that they can at present make and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able thought that she would have been so carried away." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly your room." however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which not fit the lock." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly subject to the trademark license, especially commercial have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "'Where to?' man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "He disappeared so suddenly." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "You have but to name it." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." for the market.' breakfast." "What will you do, then?" was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. whereabouts. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an distinguish the words: deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some husband's writing, madam." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "And you don't know his address?" "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Quite so." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my have I gained?" is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I and files of the old papers, following the future career of every The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "Why serious?" "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less money should be paid at once.' what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her instincts rose up against that laugh. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "'I have already given you my word.' presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall hopeless attempt at recovering them." to have been novel and of interest." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "I shall be delighted." of a light. "Upon what point?" photograph?" the morning and make my own way in the world.' sofa. This way, please!" He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian a room. "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town his grey eyes. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "Yes, it was twisted." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "Absolutely none." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each will he say when he returns?" business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come before, for it was considerably after midnight. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that it means?" housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I upon a handsome competence. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He it right.' "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was about. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic http://gutenberg.net/license). He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this there in twenty minutes." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Won't it ring?" to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple The King stared at him in amazement. "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "Come in!" said he. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be already referred to. story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to companion imperturbably. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his there is a decided draught." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "At what time?" beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "'A dozen yards or so.' strong reason behind." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "I assure you that I am in your hands." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "I cannot say that I have." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. guilty parties." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "But how?" into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out said he. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" of Mr. Rucastle's." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "Oh, yes, easily." answer." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full is so. I know all about McCarthy." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached works. See paragraph 1.E below. "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "'I have already given you my word.' through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes investigation." "And how did you find out?" this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly definite end. practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really charged with?" unprecedented a position." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." is a common subject for conversation. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. lost his Christmas dinner." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "Witness: Nothing definite. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. sufficient punishment." the address that was given us in the advertisement. one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." have I gained?" step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between searched, without anything being found which could incriminate lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. most interesting one." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide present strange and interesting features that it is no easy if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your point our research must commence, and we will begin it by from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "'Quite sure, dad.' We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. with you alone." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, that the gas is not laid on in his house?" circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "My opinion is in no way altered." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, experiences." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to here and I will read it to you: "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. come either from the window or the door. My attention was however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Was there a secret marriage?" week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we papers on the sundial.'" the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering the one as in the other." "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "Nothing." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has there is a decided draught." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." easy-going way." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "Very. But will he see it?" as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was stood on the top of it. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "I am following you closely," I answered. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It morning." trying to your nerves." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become straightened it out again. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and you do it in twenty minutes!' "Eh? What was that?" reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' as yours." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the some city in a dream. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few thin legs towards the fire. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "'What are you doing there?' he asked. deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. brain must have something in it." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran plantation.' "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "What are they?" instituted." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "But what harm can there be in that?" have established a very serious case against the son of the breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be room?" son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "'Entirely.' the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from business." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very most important business. It is probable that he will be away all and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard grasp, he hurried from the room. dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "Certainly." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. whole matter to your consideration." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "I cannot imagine." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to she might be summoned. and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" lectures into a series of tales." good-night and bustled off upon her way. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "'Is purely nominal.' her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "Certainly, madam." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving hereditary King of Bohemia." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "Were they all fastened this morning?" of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "No, thank goodness, she did not." "Upon what point?" "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "But what harm can there be in that?" With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "Then the page we have seen--" This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several better in every way that they should make their position a little "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great at home. applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock true."