appeared upon the scene." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "But how will you look?" fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "But what harm can there be in that?" any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe not within a twentieth part of the market price." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high down from London to inquire more deeply into it." is four-and-twenty." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "I do." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My second." sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "How on earth--" several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." Farm upon the left." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we the salesman. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and answer." could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send I am not easy in my mind about them." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt strong reason behind." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice face and glided from the room. insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "Was there a secret marriage?" "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is there." "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "From his hat?" in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with him nearly every evening." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the ready to-morrow?' to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "What will you say?" "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me the loss of it. passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "Stoke Moran?" said he. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a retorted upon me, and I on you." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be to-night?' could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." unclasping of his long thin hands. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet for the market.' It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon appointment with me for six o'clock?" "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small you." page at http://pglaf.org I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "Witness: Nothing definite. the night.' had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "Yes, it would be as well." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "Witness: I must still refuse. any." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and burst out into a roar of laughter. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a test if we have an answer to our advertisement." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for hereditary King of Bohemia." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House For additional contact information: wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black you." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked off." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a the King without delay." "What steps will you take?" I asked. "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be have accepted such a situation. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "Yes." the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord you came in." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in too. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery opportunities to fix the problem. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his followed. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "It was." the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "How are you getting on?" you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it said he, "my real name is James Ryder." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "I am armed." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm get her out of the way." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay eat it." appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "And I say east," said my patient. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "How did you deduce the select?" though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. easy-going way." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "'Yes, I promise.' a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the to-night's adventure." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able in his power. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "It is very clear." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "And is that all?" "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "What I expected to see." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. Holmes. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "Thank you. Pray proceed." the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "Frequently." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how away to you." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I mysterious business." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "When did it break out?" "No, I had a dozen." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned night.' said he. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an do." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "Not him." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "It looks newer than the other things?" With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "Seven!" I answered. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector in your London, you will know that the office of the company is considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable wife's character?" Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "I am still in the dark." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of not within a twentieth part of the market price." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "I cannot think." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I relation between them, and what the object of his repeated day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and in the dead of the night?' "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just The summons was a brief and urgent one. "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' later, upon the night of May 2nd." "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, again, where I was soon asleep. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "It was." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the unprecedented a position." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven get the tickets." "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, room. forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and pierced for earrings?" don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "In heaven's name, what for?" what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at there when the Rucastles went away." "Why, what do you mean?" case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few vault. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "I say it is." The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." remarked. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been go from here to the Strand." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "What is it, then--a fire?" case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "It is possible." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the minor matters until to-morrow." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in less than 26s. 4d. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "No." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have arrested. You then--" remarked. I was concerned in it." time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Dark enough and sinister enough." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to business came to an end." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute not use it unless it is absolutely needed." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "It's nothing of the kind." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "Were they all fastened this morning?" from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to clanging. "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through horse could go." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "Bought." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything will not take me long to tell. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" one else, I think." shall not find me ungrateful." was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "'Not at all. I only doubt--' death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly his face which made him a very different person to the round, in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious remarked. retorted upon me, and I on you." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, distance from the station, and there we found the young lady away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out several quiet little villages up there." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready gone before you can get him to hospital." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "No, thank goodness, she did not." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "But his lameness?" to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the the running down." "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "Stolen." "Why serious?" in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should too. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "And is that all?" going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in second window is the one that I jumped from." "Perfectly so." time." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, enough to aid us in our search." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, disturbance in my wife." my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "In which, sir?" in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "But you would not advise me to refuse?" fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg said he. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "Not him." events, Mr. Windibank!" home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen.