Again Holmes raved in the air. stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday that I can to serve you." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." 1.E.9. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith a little more before I quite committed myself. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "I do." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "'Not at all. I only doubt--' red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have grasp, he hurried from the room. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are detained." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; to-night?' at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "Because he was handy and would come cheap." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "But his lameness?" "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some other means.' But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If useful material for showing traces. The double line a little old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Witness: Nothing definite. send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "And on what day did he meet his death?" there when the Rucastles went away." not as remarkable as your advertisement." round and wave him away like that.' she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the nonsense.' very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "It was an hour's good drive." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "Well, it is a possible supposition." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "You'll never persuade me to believe that." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and outside. asked with his eyes open. do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "I don't say that. Perhaps." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "What have you to say now?" "I warn you that they are very incomplete." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "Well." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "'In my own bureau.' "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, pierced for earrings?" must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "My own seal." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts it were putty." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." felt the room to be a little close.' is so. I know all about McCarthy." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each the best of training." "Come in!" said he. red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. of Mr. Rucastle's." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far upon the sideboard." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my nothing of it?" this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone new duties?' fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "What, then?" companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. advice." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "That was it, sir." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no written, and locked the door of the office after me. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much secret." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no cigar and let me expound." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly respectable self." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "'What then?' I asked. thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read remarked. not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies soul! here is her carriage at the door." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is DISSOLVED. crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any nonsense.' also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they child?' the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "On your arm?" being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a singular points about the case. What did the police think of the fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "No good news?" populous neighbourhood." going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon imbecility!" he cried. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I present strange and interesting features that it is no easy friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots the coroner come to?" which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "The landlord of the Alpha." smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far with frightened eyes at his accuser. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. wife's character?" "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and tapping his fingers upon the table. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project money should be paid at once.' confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black tell him that I know him to be innocent." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed do." the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull American. Then who could this American be, and why should he my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do the station." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the http://gutenberg.net/license). "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "I say it is." I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and such person." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and could not account in any way for the presence of the missing We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had if I call to-morrow?" light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and Holmes rather sternly. too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "In San Francisco, a year ago." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is amused." companion imperturbably. upon the shelf for the interim." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to passage and a tap at the door. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "And how have you succeeded?" possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Yes, it was twisted." call the police, let the police find what they can.' Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger certainly do as you advise." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his closing the door. manager. upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my the armchair which I pushed forward for him. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same meanly of me." from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do voice, changing her seat as requested. "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had business in the City. She little knew what. woven round him. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' bird I ate is country bred." "Holmes, the busybody!" "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will occurred." "I shall be delighted." night.' said he. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, Dr. Gregory B. Newby "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It business." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down arrested. You then--" a room. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss where she found matters as described by the last witness. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "'You cannot say what it was?' remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the locked." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "I think that it is very probable." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "Was he the only applicant?" "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I skylight. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I and a shock of very red hair. one of them." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then was a perfect sample of the class. that he will be back before evening." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "Upon what point?" ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental gentleman's clothes. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and whole matter to your consideration." can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the chance." absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid