"Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem galvanised. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "Which surely he restored to their owner?" that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "To ruin me." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "It missed him, then?" "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that once more to my work. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "Which are?" conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in that the gas is not laid on in his house?" hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "It looks newer than the other things?" active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' cigar and let me expound." dramatic, in fact." article?" "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" Leave Paddington by the 11:15." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped long narrative. upon the white wrist. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "Upon what point?" 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a them, and came down just as you departed. occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "And did you observe any change in her then?" of receipt of the work. offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter dead, shall be safe with us." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into ashen face. I nodded to show that I had heard. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "'Very good.' "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "I should be immensely obliged to you." happened." why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases events than those which have happened in my own family." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be note?" "And you can do nothing until then?" "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No unkempt, staring out at me. fat-encircled eyes. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "10th. John Swain cleared. his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to always that they were such commands as a lady might with "What are they?" "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to overpowering excitement and concern. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "And your father? Did you tell him?" "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming quickly through a disagreeable task. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "Well, some hundreds of times." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "I do." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking in this note: "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters away to you." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, round with crates and massive boxes. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of train from Paddington which would bring you there at about asked. without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are wedding?" have accepted such a situation. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "Yes, it would be as well." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that the coronet at all injured?" remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been little adventures." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "Well?" and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the particular state visit http://pglaf.org sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look sooner or later she must fall a victim. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few public press." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "'Yes, sir.' outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "To an English lawyer named Norton." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into name is different." at once, for I have only half an hour." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "At what time?" LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked in darkness. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "Holmes, the busybody!" eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the have not had my rubber." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was people don't know." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was ourselves in the office." over with notes and figures. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "You have but to name it." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away girl said." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we them present such singular features as the strange train of again." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted During two years I have had three consultations and one small emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "'Entirely.' her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that way: authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he lost nothing by them." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. morning." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well to surprise her." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a bed dies. Does not that strike you?" singular points about the case. What did the police think of the and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "And your mother is alive?" Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, careless servant girl?" as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the way in." address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and were wasted." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of that, and I came down." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "Perfectly so." my room." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "And on what day did he meet his death?" "I was mad--insane." "How often?" the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" the coroner come to?" like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "He disappeared so suddenly." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But what is your own theory as to what took place?" Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "And the murderer?" ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with you give your casting vote to?" interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and nothing of it?" "What is it?" parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "What is it, then--a fire?" I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague his eyes and forehead. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the in this way: firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "It is solved." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "Yes, I have one waiting." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able hurried by. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." Literary Archive Foundation trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the about here speaks of his kindness to him." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "'As governess?' became a certainty. His name is Francis Prosper." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are appeared upon the scene." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him to his chemical studies. wanted for ourselves." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "Nothing?" "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been spare." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your and looked back. "Quite so. She has her freedom." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. delighted to hear it," he said. future lives." you?' sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens not interfere, come what may. You understand?" Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might to go into your room and bar your shutters?" drove away. convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did a very grave face. when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any habit of advancing money.' very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "No, distinctly professional." "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of have established a very serious case against the son of the The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all the stable lane now." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. way in everything. "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "Yes, it would be as well." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "It missed him, then?" confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking tension within him. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "'Never.' the one as in the other." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel fait accompli?" latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. approach us with offers to donate. "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the events, Mr. Windibank!" violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing situation." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from be.' return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and gone. must be when I saw the door open.' we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "'Which dealer's?' direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next cause to be." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake over here." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "Yes." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her relief. kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. Holmes' face clouded over. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" have an American origin." follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your trifles." "But he might be a bachelor." the ceiling. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in jewels which you have stolen?' "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" third from London." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. some city in a dream. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was him nearly every evening." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "How can you tell that?" "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the are windows in it, of course?" annoyance, but no jest. "What I expected to see." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "BALLARAT." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until this as likely?" occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As not, dad?" she asked. bird of prey. purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the gone. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "The doctor?" "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.