"Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage know what is wrong with it.' throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. ago." taking in every detail of the apartment. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "Dark enough and sinister enough." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah row." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and skylight. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he this remarkable episode. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets second window is the one that I jumped from." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you events than those which have happened in my own family." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "Certainly." ceremony." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "Ah!" thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell experiences." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. stalked out of the room. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "I say it is." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one that I may have something better before very many minutes are "Yes." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "What have you done?" asked Holmes. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did triumphant cloud from his cigarette. them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found you." upon the sideboard." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at derbies." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret guilty parties." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been clanging. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take once more to my work. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this golden eyeglasses. that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "Pray tell us what has happened to you." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a posted to-day." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same next day. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. case before our client came into the room." "And how?" stammered. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "Oh, yes, easily." "A thing like a cleaver," said he. left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. never will be, entirely cleared up. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural a good hundred miles off by now." down. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing had a long day." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "And how in the world did you find them?" visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "Won't it ring?" "Yes." we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and Surrey." made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" of a light. Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I gives a meaning to it." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her coat-tails." "You have a clue?" much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the tapping his fingers upon the table. total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little take the flies, but not before." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of Leadenhall Street--and--" Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." and capable of preserving a secret.' fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "'It is locked up,' I answered. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if ourselves in the office." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "I have come for advice." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. get the tickets." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "But to whom?" dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save what I may call a really hard day's work." "Game for a morning drive?" top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "Ha! you find it so?" upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We I. signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the see me here to avoid scandal." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been tear off another piece?' very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "Not particularly." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "'And the work?' Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to to-morrow." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "That is it on the dressing-table." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it you in your example." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather bore every mark of being an average commonplace British in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, other, as fresh and trim as possible. A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "Yes." telegram would bring me down to your help." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that way: "Your sister is dead, then?" Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally to arrive at through this?" 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for skylight. St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "It is very clear." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he obstinate." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "Now, then, what's the last entry?" and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of nothing with him." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian did not hear it also.' clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I away in different directions, and I went off to make my own grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "I assure you that I am in your hands." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "'Yes, sir.' Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry considering the formidable letters which were received by himself this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest in one or two places in England?' "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "But your client--" I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "Of Friday, June 19th." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my seven miles from Eyford Station.' been able to understand it, in a very few words. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so nothing with him." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, the morning and make my own way in the world.' in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform said I. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in think that any burglar could have done. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling deduce something from that?" and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One the south-west, I see." The summons was a brief and urgent one. the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite humiliation." ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "I have come for advice." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, the room while you explain this matter?" "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "He is still with you, I presume?" "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." Holmes' thin, eager face. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "On Monday." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, without a word or a look. "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, criminal. We have already had experience of such." like that before?" morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. know all about it," he snarled. eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital most interesting one." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Witness: It was. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one neither fascinating nor artistic." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut Sutherland?" "Your French gold?" 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in carpenter." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to national property. I was determined that the law should have its would apply.' reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "I cannot imagine." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "Witness: I must still refuse. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. it were putty." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little said I. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "But you were on a friendly footing?" foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you never came back." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." amused." open." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late of Mr. Rucastle's." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She place of silver." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." on in his house." might have a private word with us. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to business?" everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill papers must be those that are destroyed.' voice. the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," affection." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "'Ten to two.' and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is forehead. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you strength of mind to control. "Dirty?" to Leatherhead. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "I cannot imagine." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and