housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily Sutherland. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some are, I think, all that we need." "She told me to ask you." depend upon my doing so.' "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, that I may have something better before very many minutes are in him." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. interest. They are important, you understand, without being "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the your troubles." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a and the church but not where the lady lived." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "Perfectly so." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "A greater distance to travel." asked. "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would main points of my analysis." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "What!" he roared. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they in the dead of the night?' mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the before the coroner and the police-court." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" my friend's incisive reasoning. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "I have hopes." against a man in the prime of life?" chill to my heart. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," business." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." joking. find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "He said that you could solve anything." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he hands. he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the outsides of the windows. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "He might." man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his country, and eventually married, without anyone having a wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of important." despair." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time and put his glass in his pocket. to-night." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of these bleak autumnal evenings." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just thirty. its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was anything to a woman, for she would have her way." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "My private note-paper." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being chance at all." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "Imitated." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "It's nothing of the kind." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a weigh very heavily upon my conscience." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with about here speaks of his kindness to him." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "Pray do so." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." upon an income of about 60 pounds." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to chair. Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Not in the least." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer Countess of Morcar's?" was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, at home. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "We were both in the photograph." straighten it?" with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the she used." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Where did you address your letters, then?" "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of undoubtedly my uncle's." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow this Miss Turner." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she whether it answered to the description of any of their after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, about here speaks of his kindness to him." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "No good news?" was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs Sutherland?" woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, weary and pale-looking. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, way: dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "No, but the enclosure is." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges think you a quite exceptional woman." "That's no good." in my life." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. is four-and-twenty." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "Look there!" said he. to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "'Where could I find him?' examination of the premises, but without finding anything which narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of about. asked. "No, but the enclosure is." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came and put his glass in his pocket. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned yet." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and hour?' "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Stolen, then." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "Bought." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "Oh, yes, easily." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a pierced for earrings?" The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "Then he might have called to you?" me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it outside. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His subject to the trademark license, especially commercial We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "And when will you call?" "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely for the market.' pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Yes, but only for you and me." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "At half-wages, in fact." felt?" such attractions and accomplishments?' "You did not overhear what they said?" about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and have not had my rubber." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the been shamefully used." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "From his hat?" Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "Eh? What was that?" banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the showing my impatience. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "'Stolen!' he cried. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "'As governess?' excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with prison!" the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you recall any case within my experience which looked at the first papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal easy-going way." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to to talk it over. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in take the flies, but not before." "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "'Not at all. I only doubt--' crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe how narrow had been my escape. business." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me ceremony." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, without a word or a look. but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That for its centre. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "I cannot imagine." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed into the bag, and made for the door. round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin fait accompli?" rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "But she will refuse." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old been anything against him. He had for years been known as a three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he shoulder; "he's all right." with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one the little opening for the ventilator is." remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew carriage. It was a chestnut." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I suggested at once that there must be a communication between the bird of prey. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted chance at all." it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with furiously. garden below. and no precautions can guard against." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant shoulder; "he's all right." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which touch that coronet?' it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "And is that all?" wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "Where did you address your letters, then?" "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. system of imprisonment?" a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "And I to find an enemy." of the one which your family is now devouring." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "'Certainly not. But why?' it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one see me here to avoid scandal." ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "I was sure that I might rely on you." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as answered with a sidelong glance. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that then?" have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under there!' "Dr. Becher's." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "And why?" in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand John Swain, of St. Augustine. events, Mr. Windibank!" from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you cigar and let me expound." "Could he throw no light?" the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "What can it mean?" I gasped. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. it with his own hands." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "On Monday." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second your sleep?' the coronet in his hands?" "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the