afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, whether it answered to the description of any of their who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am dear old homesteads?" "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your tell them apart.' likely to be some crony of the landlady's." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the paper in the air. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of read it out to me." Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any least a fellow-countryman. and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "There are none." of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "And what then?" "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." imbecility!" he cried. without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance a suggestive one." when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "Then I shall certainly come." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy certainly not very gracious." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. presented more singular features than that which was associated gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon showing my impatience. remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a of the vacancies.' Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." straighten it?" feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took detective. "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "Indeed! Whose, then?" ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole Foundation at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "And you don't know his address?" he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, the very morning of the wedding." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "You horrify me." to miss it." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. nothing with him." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that was feeling which was the fattest.' that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "No?" which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "I was certainly surprised to find you there." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." late." "One?" belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is congratulate you again." instincts rose up against that laugh. "Can I be of assistance?" his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was pressing in one house as in another. cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the giving me time to thank him. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "What is it, then--a fire?" without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" and I shall be with you presently." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the you?" air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been started for the Temple to see my husband. When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. dates and names. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is already referred to. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "I think that it is very probable." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I gone. or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "Perfectly so." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but our word." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to ready to-morrow?' "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. taking in every detail of the apartment. of fine shops and stately business premises that they really John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no points in connection with it which never have been, and probably It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "Will you go?" The King stared at him in amazement. "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, in this note: what is your own theory as to what took place?" have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, humiliation." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, troubles have been weighing upon his mind. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "Why? What do you mean?" Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst crackling voice. which it had come upon my father." if only as a check to my own memory." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "Yes, certainly." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Of Friday, June 19th." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "Yes." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by it. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, of campaign. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot and laid it on the table. beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' province." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. quickly through a disagreeable task. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H in his power. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "An enemy?" active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The eavesdroppers?' "By no means." appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I you understand?" in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, he bowed and left the room without another word. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "Yes." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "Frequently." that question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked introspective fashion. was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." had this final quarrel? and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit absolutely follow my advice in every respect." might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room that I can to serve you." "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you What do you deduce from it?" was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the brain must have something in it." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself Lee, in the county of Kent." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "And from a noble client?" make me his representative both with the servants and with the lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part already been minutely examined." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." get the tickets." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an families. Now for the facts. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "My Mary? Impossible!" built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of IS didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "In San Francisco, a year ago." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "Game for a morning drive?" sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "Who was the criminal, then?" "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "Married! When?" Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Was there a secret marriage?" "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that himself in a perplexing position. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of troubles have been weighing upon his mind. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "'And the work?' foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked fasten all the windows?" "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as the morning and make my own way in the world.' which I could not give. He asked for Alice. directors, with the result that you have seen." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would next day. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Well." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "Yes, at the mines." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the situation." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the done what I asked you, Jones?" sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the returning from some small jollification and was making his way the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution Pope's Court, Fleet Street." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. look dissatisfied." returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can gone before you can get him to hospital." "But you can know nothing of this?" connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." that?' his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. them?" "About a month then." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave might have a private word with us. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, she used." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for ourselves in the office." into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "There is the writing." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they the general public were present, then?" lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss frequently gained my first real insight into the character of purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "You did not overhear what they said?" firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "Not I." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "'Stolen!' he cried. which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the past. time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck key of the affair now." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. is now desirous of getting those letters back." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a I was concerned in it." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "I think that it is very probable." fatally injured? very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming your Highness to the police-station?" "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land extraordinary contortions. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she man. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "Yes." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young rose-bushes. for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That interest. They are important, you understand, without being door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And,