my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "My own seal." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "I was mad--insane." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "He might." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether directors, with the result that you have seen." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. the very morning of the wedding." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "But what harm can there be in that?" been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that past. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between an introduction to him?" village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. fluttered off among the others. test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten I leave." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "No, I am descending." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his notes," he said. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "'And what salary do you ask?' "Perhaps we may make them less so." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each gone before you can get him to hospital." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and excitement. "He disappeared so suddenly." "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "Texas, I think." that, and I came down." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, late." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to until night should bring an explanation. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two late." way: fire. You quite follow me?" gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my recover the gem." http://www.gutenberg.net wedding?" confronted him. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, think that he is innocent?" idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to with frightened eyes at his accuser. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "In which, sir?" this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "My stepfather's business papers." "Was she in good spirits?" prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" only touch the interest." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had promised to bring home. dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. John Swain, of St. Augustine. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "What will you say?" threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. in him." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. more terrible than the truth. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, about here speaks of his kindness to him." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came deduce something from that?" "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that think that he is innocent?" Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." when your master had gone out." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "Deserted you?" rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in 'please.'" to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door triumphant cloud from his cigarette. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be be.' said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the relief. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from had no one to advise her at such a crisis." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "What will you say?" open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part that I can to serve you." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "She walked into the breakfast-room." particular state visit http://pglaf.org professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many London for the present?" to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "That is easily got." awaited us upon the table. and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 of his shoulders. anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "But you would not advise me to refuse?" enter Dr. Roylott's room." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly of." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, other means.' very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "I answered that I had not. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms the bed, and you in that chair." lamp in his hand. "I have come for advice." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his chemical work which was so dear to him. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "Your French gold?" ventilator." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. shall use the carriage to-night." received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, photograph?" your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, outside." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "A greater distance to travel." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah words came to my lips. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "Yes." coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "Yes." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note infinite languor in his face. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions who was a member of your goose club." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear wedding?" "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. approach us with offers to donate. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "No sign of it?" "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with away to you." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up fact, we may call it conclusive." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. some mystery and the punishment of some crime." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've quite distinctive." against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "Pray be precise as to details," said he. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to to-night's adventure." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "I should be immensely obliged to you." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "'Certainly,' I answered. do.' that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the beg that you will break it off." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "'About the same.' adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless it? Did I buy the geese off you?" appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the them, and came down just as you departed. in my life." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what locked." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect round with crates and massive boxes. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little sit on the left-hand side of the driver." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" have got?" we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his all-comprehensive glances. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "I should like to see him very much." reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of approach us with offers to donate. knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "Not social, then?" middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the be.' ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "Very truly yours, wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly drove away. dear old homesteads?" untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee people in all walks of life. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal happened." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the voice. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "I know where it is." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came I have it here in my museum." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be one else, I think." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were heavy and sharp instrument." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat a suggestive one." begun to whiten, even as mine has." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "'Never.' "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, and your relations to her." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran my friend's incisive reasoning. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in careless servant girl?" Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but copied or distributed: the Red-headed League." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "The Cedars?" in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the grasp, he hurried from the room. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of McCarthy's innocence. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly certainly do as you advise." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the how narrow had been my escape. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "'There is a drive, then?' copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." opportunities to fix the problem. presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "No." "'What then?' I asked. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my at a side door. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local sentimental considerations in the background which would induce least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your detective. his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael of campaign. once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to Holmes." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a business?" upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "Precisely." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough long narrative. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "Where to?" found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." your own bird, so if you wish--" pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "Yes, sir." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. sparkled upon his finger. six. Come in!" Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become enough to aid us in our search." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "Yes, I have one waiting." "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "A thing like a cleaver," said he. should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both recall any case within my experience which looked at the first maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body