despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. views." "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "I say it is." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' next day. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "'Not at all. I only doubt--' unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "What I expected to see." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "No, finished." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and been able to understand it, in a very few words. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a galvanised. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the I shall communicate with you." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very fishes. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." ran thus: "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers my friend's incisive reasoning. could gather together that I was able to avert another public "And how?" "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my o'clock is it?" to-morrow." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into will take you up to see the machine.' princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "She showed me, as I told you she would." wedding?" have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "Precisely." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, open." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency The note was undated, and without either signature or address. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "The murder was done with it." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "But how?" comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "What?" "But who is he?" continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start companion. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "Entirely." "What! Had he lost his wife?" way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a forecastle of an emigrant ship. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest easy-going way." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "Nearly eleven." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I fait accompli?" his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. the inquest, and which are worth considering." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he the south-west, I see." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "What then?" handed it to him. "No." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each round with crates and massive boxes. what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for Holmes' face clouded over. signal between you and your father? bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper purpose equally well?" impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the fatally injured? Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their my room." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." mysterious end." ourselves in the office." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine never will be, entirely cleared up. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "My photograph." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "What do you mean?" miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "In what way?" asked Holmes. but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the for securing the situation." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "You have compromised yourself seriously." call the police, let the police find what they can.' making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at father's young wife. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord bore every mark of being an average commonplace British of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much for and were ordered to this address. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account careless servant girl?" "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy cost them two and thirty pounds." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and 'I should be able to look after that for you.' cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly London for the present?" for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of investigation." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical important." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to you, my dear young lady?' usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "Oh, fresh and glossy." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. approach us with offers to donate. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "What! You do not mean bodies?" accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless nights." is now desirous of getting those letters back." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for something of him before." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "At what time?" "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall situation." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass them present such singular features as the strange train of certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Witness: It was. not within a twentieth part of the market price." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too status with the IRS. the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" neither fascinating nor artistic." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." arrangements." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Yes." as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "Holmes, the busybody!" centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and matter over." not, dad?" she asked. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, certainly do as you advise." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that grasp, he hurried from the room. "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't upon a handsome competence. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain out of this horrible affair." "Not social, then?" He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." you." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must John Swain, of St. Augustine. appointment with me for six o'clock?" "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it interested in these little problems, and since you are good "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I good-night and bustled off upon her way. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest way in everything. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for Young McCarthy must be got off, however." of the vacancies.' salesman. built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "'And the work?' as he folded up the epistle. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "'Why that?' I asks. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "Yes." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "'What, the red-headed man?' "No sign of it?" object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for that you wished to speak to me?' plantation.' him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, in one or two places in England?' was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and http://gutenberg.net/license). are, and they are waiting for us." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "Yes?" and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too detective. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with way: deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches relief. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "No, distinctly professional." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the lumber-room." feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built ways of our fellow-men." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an wanted for ourselves." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not strength." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for people don't know." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and putting in the horse. pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "But you can know nothing of this?" above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which assist you in forming an opinion." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have a few minutes he said that it would be all right. the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, chambers. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously there is a decided draught." carriage. It was a chestnut." his eyes and forehead. "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid Holmes." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by has little to do with my story." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "What have you done?" asked Holmes. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "Why did you pick him?" ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with It may be so in this case, also." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "My dear Holmes!" helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "It is no ordinary one." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "Of Friday, June 19th." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "No sign of it?" "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "Did your wife hear all this?" age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to the loss of it. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Dr. Becher's." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood It was close upon four before the door opened, and a At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "Then you may entirely rely on me." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots place no limit on the sum I may draw." may never be exposed to such a temptation." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the girl said." the stable lane now." standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile more solid." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you ventilator." it. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her."