charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." said he. "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "Imitated." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "Precisely." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "'I am sure if I had known--' hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "I will get her to show me." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so there were one or two details which were new to me. But the darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I or in danger--" asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "We have tried and failed." have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the been able to understand it, in a very few words. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if get the tickets." upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get Henry Baker is a member." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "That also I could fathom." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would drove away. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There habit of advancing money.' first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "No bad?" "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the of them has the shutters up.' shall use the carriage to-night." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "I see no marks." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing keep the flames under. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, noting anything else of interest. "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "Oh, fresh and glossy." little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and existence." "Perfectly so." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, been shamefully used." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that said he at last. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper that threaten you." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the generous with you in money matters.' the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "I cannot imagine." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential Mary, has deserted me." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen Heh?' 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, to me. "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his formed some opinion?" I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "You are certainly joking, Holmes." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting that before taking the final step I should like to submit the the station." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "He said that you could solve anything." envelope. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "'Never,' said I. who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "Absolutely?" that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "'You cannot say what it was?' analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of details should find their way into the papers. Inspector ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" Sutherland?" Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the whereabouts. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. fattened it expressly for you.' tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "Was your sister dressed?" "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, highroad, where all traces were lost. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come chance." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking in one or two places in England?' foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, whether it answered to the description of any of their outside." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "And that is--" "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "I should like to see him very much." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what it? Did I buy the geese off you?" strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "9th. McCauley cleared. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "'Stolen!' he cried. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "So it appears." the inquest, and which are worth considering." my little problems." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. Pope's Court. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "I have seen the police." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "I am to be neutral?" even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "The rest you will leave in our hands." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, do.' she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "His face fell immediately. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had you." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers manager. form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord business." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and directors have had misgivings upon the subject." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the in my life." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "I cannot imagine." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the point in the dark hollow of his hand. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the all that?" We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a bled considerably." "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "It must be recovered." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "How did that help you?" rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is the little opening for the ventilator is." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "'Never.' seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my place no limit on the sum I may draw." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely that he will be back before evening." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "Yes, there are nearly always some there." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "'Quite sure, dad.' skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, like gravel from a pit.' "How on earth--" "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, happened." "The Coroner: What do you mean? "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, to you." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "You have compromised yourself seriously." planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' crime. I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen closing the door. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she reach." "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very open." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." some terrible trap for her." "You are certainly joking, Holmes." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the hour?' "I came to find a friend." nothing with him." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many this remarkable episode. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "I am in hopes that she does." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "Won't it ring?" fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still Serpentine Avenue. salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did delighted to hear it," he said. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Of Friday, June 19th." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, the salesman. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a did not hear it also.' said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us that I can to serve you." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were emerged. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know should be so warm over such a trifle." "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in heavily into it. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of my friend's incisive reasoning. "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the thirty. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "How do you know, then?" your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll The police have openly confessed that they can at present make professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack money should be paid at once.' cheerful." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who 'please.'" their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. I have it here in my museum." pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "Get out!" said he. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which highroad, where all traces were lost. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the astonishment. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for what I may call a really hard day's work." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from Mrs. Toller serenely. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was during that time.' security.' that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the not interfere, come what may. You understand?" explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger was not a bird to be seen there. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "It is a murder, then?" "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. kindly on the shoulder. its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not was feeling which was the fattest.' amused." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with that threaten you." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "Absolutely?" considering the formidable letters which were received by himself is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" your most interesting statement." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "Of what day?" younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "'Stolen!' he cried. undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "'Certainly not.' "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "'Certainly not. But why?' upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped woven round him. instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade.