heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "I should wish to." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "No." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is manager. of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. The telegram which we eventually received came late one night enter into my head. into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was where Mr. Fordham shows you.' Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was directors have had misgivings upon the subject." yourselves in at night?" upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry was once confined in the cab my mission was practically gentleman's clothes. send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid anything to a woman, for she would have her way." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor would then never go into court at all." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I went to the Alpha were town bred." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Look there!" said he. "She walked into the breakfast-room." chance." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he nothing with him." I was concerned in it." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which one or two very singular points about this room. For example, of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real conduct the inquiry." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he think that he is innocent?" professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "But you have hopes?" door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "Where did he live, then?" "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he delirious. "My dear Holmes!" "My photograph." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "Dr. Becher's." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "She told me to ask you." "The landlord of the Alpha." going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You future lives." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "Yes." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence made his money." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it answered with a sidelong glance. empty. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. envelope. prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a and the church but not where the lady lived." Dr. Gregory B. Newby Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "Yes, all." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he 1.F. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, Countess of Morcar's?" "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "He is still with you, I presume?" manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is cheerful." hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "But his lameness?" naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "I beg pardon." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm outside. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about the coronet at all injured?" which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You of his shoulders. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing not as remarkable as your advertisement." Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "How about poison?" see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far of." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and views." stammered. "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this should be taken.' then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." me. an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "Now, then, what's the last entry?" Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is Eyford." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide upon an income of about 60 pounds." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been and inquire as to the address." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, Farm upon the left." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a in this note: persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "But what will you do?" "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "About a month then." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as stepfather?" expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit without success. At last the little money which I had saved began unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "On your arm?" corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "In which, sir?" been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how his eyes and forehead. she has been waylaid. There has been no result." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by see me here to avoid scandal." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, or other trace. But how on earth--" too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with guilty one." Eyford at 11:15.' then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but pity, because in other respects you would really have done very He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square whatever might befall. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He directly by questioning you." arrangements." understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "May I see it?" "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "No, I had a dozen." opened the door, and slipped through. "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "Did you become engaged then?" which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "We must sit without light. He would see it through the furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." in. the general public were present, then?" day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, down from London to inquire more deeply into it." A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we cause to be." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "I have a cab outside." returning from some small jollification and was making his way subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by was once confined in the cab my mission was practically all?" the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "But I have heard all that you have heard." your Highness to the police-station?" schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR congenial hunt. successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which occurred." figure." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "Never to return." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "'I am sure if I had known--' ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a whether it answered to the description of any of their present." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The the one as in the other." Pope's Court, Fleet Street." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she plantation.' His name is Francis Prosper." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "How many? I don't know." "I am still in the dark." "To an English lawyer named Norton." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "If so, much may have happened between." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort disappearance of the bride.'" if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "Yes. He waved his hands." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "ARAT," I read. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "How can you tell that?" revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "You were travelling in the States?" have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was prisoner's face. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been my special province." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "And you can do nothing until then?" minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. brandy and water within his reach. a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," Eyford at 11:15.' American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood lumber-room." which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." off." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "But how did you gain them?" my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been do." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "Very much so." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "Very much so." "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood how narrow had been my escape. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "Yes, sir." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood strode off upon his way. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "'It is locked up,' I answered. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from miles off. in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "But what harm can there be in that?" remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "The murder was done with it." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must case before our client came into the room." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat have one." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "'Is purely nominal.' "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" will find little credit to be gained out of this case." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "Texas, I think." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and himself to hunt down. there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "And why?" and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom recall any case within my experience which looked at the first society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear."