ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than and looked back. "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for The summons was a brief and urgent one. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the in one or two places in England?' it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are evidence," I remarked. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "You forget that I know nothing about it." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you figure." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he it." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached followed. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "What then?" I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry troubles have been weighing upon his mind. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done call the police, let the police find what they can.' with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not For additional contact information: "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast when you have done it." "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "I say it is." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "Ha! you find it so?" as yours." squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "They are typewritten," I remarked. front of me. "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "No sign of it?" hour?' way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" his grey eyes. views." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I stalked out of the room. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "Of what?" drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the have accepted such a situation. bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of The events in question occurred in the early days of my assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is over with notes and figures. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." waste of energy." the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so south, for the country is more deserted there." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "Dr. Becher's." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of definite end. it means?" very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What less than 26s. 4d. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "What, then, did Peterson do?" "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the of the efforts of the United States government and of the better you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose people in all walks of life. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately in darkness. "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her voice. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we John Swain, of St. Augustine. Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "How did you deduce the select?" "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is window when the police appeared." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been that I am arrested." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his careless servant girl?" cheerful." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." true." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect Holmes' face clouded over. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Yes." "That is possible." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a best detective that ever lived. admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a hopeless attempt at recovering them." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture observed. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as handed it to him. window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "By all means." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what own family. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless your bag." it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught outside. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was said I. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I stepfather?" "It is solved." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "And Miss Sutherland?" "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been I nodded again. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the begin with, and I had not got mine yet." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "Precisely." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the This is what he says: became a certainty. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, I took the paper from him and read as follows: morning." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event any." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "Will you bet, then?" roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "Well, some hundreds of times." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "What will you say?" immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "But what harm can there be in that?" "None." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only to talk it over. where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "'And the work?' help us in this matter." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" The summons was a brief and urgent one. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss you in your example." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "I cannot imagine." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" went to the Alpha were town bred." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "And did you observe any change in her then?" all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "Oh, fresh and glossy." they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "Nothing." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe peculiar to him. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." all that?" insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "In what way?" asked Holmes. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to footfalls from the street. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the events, Mr. Windibank!" authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "'What, the red-headed man?' have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from is now desirous of getting those letters back." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf was a loud and authoritative tap. "And how did you verify them?" seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and of them has the shutters up.' the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. investigation." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness off." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting and all of them with the keenest interest. "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all exactly what you advise." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "I cannot imagine." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an the stones. has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking fait accompli?" WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, bill, which interests me deeply." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at perplexity from it to my illustrious client. you want, then?' these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece straightened it out again. leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. brain must have something in it." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "I have a cab outside." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would problems help me to do so." they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "'Certainly not. But why?' were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "You have carte blanche." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a sneer upon his pale face. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "Breckinridge is his name." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself III. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, advice." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. own family. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, shag which I had seen upon the previous night. over part of the map. "What do you read?" clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "'And the work?' as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "'Entirely.' you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon God! What an exposure! What can I do?" gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "I am all attention, madam." whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to towards the blaze. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The