"A confidential servant?" one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you affair. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "You'll never persuade me to believe that." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest the night.' prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever such attractions and accomplishments?' the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if 1.E.9. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." that you wished to speak to me?' by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured client, rising. "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and miles off. journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "How are you getting on?" corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "What can you not understand?" him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast said I. order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Who was the criminal, then?" it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of sooner or later she must fall a victim. cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" me where it went to?" Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "I am to be neutral?" life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in do." time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried tapping his fingers upon the table. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My in the hope of finding them." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "And how did you verify them?" stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left feature." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I second window is the one that I jumped from." refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and at my own good fortune. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "You are certainly joking, Holmes." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right in this way: late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "I think that it is very probable." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "My last client of the sort was a king." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, breakfast and whispered something to her husband. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "9th. McCauley cleared. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or enough to aid us in our search." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess was shining brightly. along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers the room while you explain this matter?" lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous address. there when the Rucastles went away." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "And from a noble client?" "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform together. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "Bought." guilty parties." several quiet little villages up there." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was together. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "It must be recovered." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "It looks newer than the other things?" "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the when your master had gone out." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "Do you receive much company?" he asked. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the she slowly sank and died without having recovered her scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" depend upon my doing so.' made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my your only hope of safety." south, for the country is more deserted there." "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "It came here." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "In which, sir?" deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "No legal papers or certificates?" "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "An enemy?" thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "By no means." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "Married! When?" WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. everything which you would wish to know." a good hundred miles off by now." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' persecution?" "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the problems help me to do so." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of to Leatherhead. "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "I was certainly surprised to find you there." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "Yes, the wine-cellar." sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. fashion which was peculiar to him. the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. a suggestive one." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "None. Neville wrote those words." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, bonnet, and went out." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "Then I shall certainly come." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to where she found matters as described by the last witness. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "BALLARAT." with her." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been whereabouts. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the quickly through a disagreeable task. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "I am armed." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a for its centre. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. over here." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the should be taken.' you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you presented more singular features than that which was associated found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, little trying to do so much typewriting?" jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "Breckinridge is his name." someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "When did she vanish, then?" occurred." society." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible assist you in forming an opinion." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn of this gang." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. the night.' 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "It is solved." be there in time for your coming." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. shadow pass over his face as I spoke. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "'Ample.' gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "No, I think that I'll take it." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no all?" "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "I say that I have solved it." arrangements." him." the morning and make my own way in the world.' "Seven!" I answered. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "Yes." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting empty. "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving business in the City. She little knew what. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on to some other building. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away cigar and let me expound." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had arrangements." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "Dr. Becher's." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "Do you know him?" strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "My private note-paper." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and Countess of Morcar's?" purpose equally well?" appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before followed. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "By no means." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of speckled band?" place of silver." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "'Ample.' "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, intrusion of other matters." "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to in his hands." Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "I will get her to show me." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "Get out!" said he. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "It was a confession," I ejaculated. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you there in twenty minutes." the Red-headed League." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, his wife has ceased to love him." written, and locked the door of the office after me. his knees, staring into the fire. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. chamber." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "You think that he is dead?" there." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I guilty parties." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "The landlord of the Alpha." Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the depend upon your compliance." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "Nearly eleven." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered breakfast." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your examination of the premises, but without finding anything which abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps again on its way. immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his there." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to married her." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed him nearly every evening." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "Get out!" said he. "There are none." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "'Stolen!' he cried. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You placed his cuttings. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "And the cigar-holder?" "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "Have you it here?" walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has the ceiling. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "She walked into the breakfast-room." have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "A confidential servant?" collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for in his hands." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. with you alone." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual.