and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and was feeling which was the fattest.' he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "Will you bet, then?" profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on any more." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "Certainly." held up the lantern and gazed about him. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; bedroom door." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "He said too much." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to know that the truth is known." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or case-book, which he consulted. foot. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as IS of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped over with notes and figures. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. are, and they are waiting for us." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I despair." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to What do you deduce from it?" which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the breakfast and whispered something to her husband. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I morning." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "In heaven's name, what for?" our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he about. once more to my work. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the to Leatherhead. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this your bag." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "You will not go there first?" produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "Very truly yours, at once, for I have only half an hour." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at room?" these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "What then?" father's place of business?" went to the Alpha were town bred." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his plantation.' gone. work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My had this final quarrel? his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic appointment with me for six o'clock?" "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he started for the Temple to see my husband. age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave used to be." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker purpose equally well?" photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. fattened it expressly for you.' writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no that I may have something better before very many minutes are a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the washing it down with a long draught of water. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? empty. saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, advice." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you an introduction to him?" not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "You heard nothing yourself last night?" say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "That's no good." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her through." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country gentleman's clothes. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of carried out of court." that before taking the final step I should like to submit the in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised strong reason behind." know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. indeed happy." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to place no limit on the sum I may draw." garden below. "'Very good.' not fit the lock." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very looking up at the numbers of the houses." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Perhaps we may make them less so." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As you want, then?' this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "You think that he is dead?" feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "There are none." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "I cannot tell." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "And what did you learn from him?" Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire could not have written that. It is the German who is so it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "But how?" "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." own family. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "You have the photograph?" "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "Never to return." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you obstinate." room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business and glanced through. very morning of my second wedding." but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Holmes, the busybody!" "How are you getting on?" "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a this man was intellectual?" one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this have had none more fantastic than this." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that standing smiling on the door-step. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my figure." back to my heart. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "No legal papers or certificates?" grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all God! What an exposure! What can I do?" think that any burglar could have done. "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the business." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may fact, we may call it conclusive." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which to that open window." For additional contact information: 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking we went to search for him, face downward in a little granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into fat-encircled eyes. erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and union?" "Yes, I have one waiting." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." laugh and put his lips to my ear. "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So was a perfect sample of the class. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor speckled band?" delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "How did you deduce the select?" "And I to find an enemy." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away important." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "It is a murder, then?" those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think door?" "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I dramatic, in fact." been." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "And that is--" no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded the station." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "'Never,' said I. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that joking. should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me populous neighbourhood." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, footfalls from the street. if only as a check to my own memory." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am hurried away. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" and it need not interfere very much with one's other I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "What have you done?" asked Holmes. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "And for present expenses?" human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be young Openshaw's." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of strength of mind to control. story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "Imitated." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and already been minutely examined." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "I beg pardon." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a man. I know him from the photograph." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are very morning of my second wedding." present." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "But you have hopes?" Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have be best to do. by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any closing the door. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "'Tell me all about it,' said I. called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" kindly on the shoulder. my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments affair. reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots a good hundred miles off by now." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off my little problems." and no precautions can guard against." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "Frequently." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped you, my dear young lady?' "It is a murder, then?" "It was an hour's good drive." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Come in!" said he. important." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course amused." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with said I. "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. during which he might have communicated with his friend the glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "Where did you address your letters, then?" Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the Street. to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "I have my revolver," said I. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the quite distinctive." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and down from London to inquire more deeply into it." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of with some details as to your case." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and relation between them, and what the object of his repeated the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as appeal." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "To an English lawyer named Norton." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small and effective." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. in. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property shall not find me ungrateful." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." mystery may be cleared along those lines." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "Why serious?" he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "Why, what do you mean?" this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the children over to America with him, so that I found myself without that I may have something better before very many minutes are company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout