would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was mysterious business." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his this man was intellectual?" "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "And that is--" pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "Yes, it was twisted." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill I think that I could be of assistance to you." had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was hereditary King of Bohemia." was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "'And what are they worth?' I asked. platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. be best to do. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "Yes, it would be as well." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit within hail.' "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "Deserted you?" broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof populous neighbourhood." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "'Yes, it was gone.' "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, our word." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "I will, Miss Turner." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "This photograph!" of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a Miss Holder?" to have that photograph." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some learned something! Where are the gems?" and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been any little problem which you may submit to me." you." "And leave your case unfinished?" conclusions. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "Yes." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I examination of the premises, but without finding anything which I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without himself to hunt down. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was had this final quarrel? way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "Yes." as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we redistribution. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "That also I could fathom." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be like that before?" quick march!" shaken than I had ever seen him. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" you found me to-night--and running through the front room she were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "Get out!" said he. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off bird I ate is country bred." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "It is possible." when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "To the police?" 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought better in every way that they should make their position a little room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would his huge brown hands. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our happened." purpose of examination. observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a to arrive at through this?" they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and me." about. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up her also." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? back alive. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by that he has suffered." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Did he not advertise?" hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "Nearly eleven." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "That is possible." child?' "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she you." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "Yes, certainly." the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good your Highness to the police-station?" knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Nothing." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out skylight. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." within hail.' accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "You have but to name it." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter Clair, of Lee." awaited us upon the table. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "They are typewritten," I remarked. purpose equally well?" looking up at the numbers of the houses." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I chance." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the was it brought him the coronet? and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the crime." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told passage and a tap at the door. III. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these amused." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that problems help me to do so." there!' if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless and prosperity to your house. Good-night." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and opened the door, and slipped through. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "No?" she has been waylaid. There has been no result." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" upon the sideboard." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man strong and stiff." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in is acting for the best. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of friend's singular character. impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been door?" lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "No, I am descending." "No?" nothing of it?" depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir followed. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "I fear not." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of you?' Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "How many? I don't know." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon you in your example." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "Yes." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "By no means." "Absolutely?" the matter?" so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "'About the same.' upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of cause to be." was a lad." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "Yes, the wine-cellar." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Deserted you?" We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "I have solved it." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ was already answered. cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from fuss that is made over them." "No, I think that I'll take it." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. him nearly every evening." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than future lives." "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely the child." upon an income of about 60 pounds." say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." is four-and-twenty." fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "A client, then?" "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that not fit the lock." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "You know me, then?" those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." returned to France?" granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm promised to bring home. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a instincts rose up against that laugh. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "It surprised me." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't he bowed and left the room without another word. other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "Yes, they were peculiar boots." to miss it." the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one we went to search for him, face downward in a little "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. and your relations to her." colonel looking down at me. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and towards the blaze. "At the wedding breakfast." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. take the flies, but not before." some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" felt the room to be a little close.' way in." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed His name is Francis Prosper." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since character. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the read over the extraordinary announcement. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Yes, sir." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "Yes." keep the flames under. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! few hundred pounds.' there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey with you alone." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce congratulate you again." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing some water from a caraffe. down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to sound at heart." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked drawing your inferences." "I have solved it." in my life." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every