steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "Was the window open?" uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "But how?" something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be John Swain, of St. Augustine. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. I think that I could be of assistance to you." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she nonsense.' "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it matter over." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while Sutherland?" there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "But his lameness?" "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business future lives." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of License. You must require such a user to return or well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP to me. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "That is unusual in a young girl." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, bill, which interests me deeply." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "Yes, sir." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg everything which you would wish to know." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, directors have had misgivings upon the subject." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." stood on the top of it. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders down. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "And why?" would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a in. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. guilty one." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "'Which dealer's?' it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "It is true that I have been generally successful." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "That's no good." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, Countess of Morcar's?" There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there taking in every detail of the apartment. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "So it appears." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from address. fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the writing, and yet I know it well." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to this man was intellectual?" same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." I held the little printed slip to the light. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your conceal it?" for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE thin legs towards the fire. vault. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the not interfere, come what may. You understand?" wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Were they all fastened this morning?" the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange delighted to hear it," he said. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a make me his representative both with the servants and with the his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "Not particularly." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." said Mr. Holder. the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on do.' could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a intimate personal affairs in this public manner." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so to change my dress. seen the man in the road." "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "About a month then." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that there!' anything to do with the matter?" "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the business came to an end." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "He might." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties Project Gutenberg-tm works. crime." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very fear." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the such person." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "Only as much as we can deduce." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "And who is her maid?" It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, Cross for the Continent." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." relation between them, and what the object of his repeated foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella once more to my work. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or round with crates and massive boxes. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project pierced for earrings?" permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. the south-west, I see." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe reach." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do nights." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. showing my impatience. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little burst into a hearty fit of laughter. weighed down with some great anxiety. "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his this remarkable episode. redistribution. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "Which surely he restored to their owner?" and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." notes," he said. standing smiling on the door-step. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "A thing like a cleaver," said he. posted to-day." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but just called myself is not exactly my own." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence Countess of Morcar's?" "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and into her hand at the door and which lured her within their family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "Did you become engaged then?" "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and Literary Archive Foundation Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "Pray tell us what has happened to you." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall morning." house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a miles off. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were the south-west, I see." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some them?" "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses all?" very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "And leave your case unfinished?" But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "I should be immensely obliged to you." "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider formed some opinion?" "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "And Irene Adler?" and a shock of very red hair. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, was lame." floor. my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, nonsense.' gigantic client. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very Have you good authority for what you say?" "'Yes, I promise.' who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the Project Gutenberg-tm works. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that congenial hunt. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "And your father? Did you tell him?" succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great fire. You quite follow me?" matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall awaited us upon the table. four million human beings all jostling each other within the secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of used to be." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the said he. some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been definite end. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously as he folded up the epistle. cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, infinite languor in his face. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "But how could you guess what the motive was?" companion quietly. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "Yes." "I should wish to." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At nonsense.' "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to discontent upon his features. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "But who is he?" the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to the one as in the other." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had call for it in person on Monday morning.' more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off be there in time for your coming." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I to miss it." and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "'Which dealer's?' should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "I think it very unlikely." the Red-headed League." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "Very well, sir. And this stone?" next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation strength." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." has little to do with my story." his face which made him a very different person to the round, "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" read it out to me." helping a boy to put up the shutters. unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' occupations.' We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "What is it?" myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." Pope's Court. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a something of him before." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you not fit the lock." one of the states of the Union." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" all that?" erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty salesman. "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he unprecedented a position." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. easy-going way." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the records." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple to his chemical studies. obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "And now?" He raised his hand. "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal as yours." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged suspect him." a good hundred miles off by now." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. relief.