brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "You did not overhear what they said?" confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for all that?" "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I in. "Where, indeed?" hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards depend upon my doing so.' "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "But how?" there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, in my life." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a goes." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must my friend's incisive reasoning. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" problems help me to do so." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "Pray let us have it, for all that." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish place no limit on the sum I may draw." nothing with him." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "He is still with you, I presume?" was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and sofa. This way, please!" the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left upon an income of about 60 pounds." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "And now?" He raised his hand. "My private note-paper." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "'Never.' "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned as this. Pray let me have the details." chamber." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," with some details as to your case." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the hard-headed British jury." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the very peculiar words of the dying woman?" indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime completely overtopped every other consideration that we both was it brought him the coronet? it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's entirely devoid of interest." pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "Yes." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "The rest you will leave in our hands." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year electronic works The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help to-night?" I asked. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he License. You must require such a user to return or her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing tapping his fingers upon the table. could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me manager. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "Your French gold?" old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "Have you her photograph?" "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I breakfast." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the miles off. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" bachelor.' "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent fact, we may call it conclusive." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about returned to France?" where Mr. Fordham shows you.' after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, Clair, of Lee." the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt was lame." yet." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The money should be paid at once.' unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his woven round him. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a them present such singular features as the strange train of 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental wedding?" and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." the house with me." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "You are certainly joking, Holmes." noble correspondent could be. meanly of me." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "And your mother is alive?" "There is the writing." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as young Openshaw's." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP back alive. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "I was certainly surprised to find you there." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with sofa. This way, please!" "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two least a most suspicious remark." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "I have solved it." second." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might locked. constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. Have you good authority for what you say?" course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the stepfather?" trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the it right.' finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, threw himself down with his face to the pillow. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after some place of shelter and let the county police know what has was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "No." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He compunction about shooting them down." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. himself to hunt down. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." could gather together that I was able to avert another public hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. said he, "my real name is James Ryder." thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "That is not always so easy." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that McCarthy's innocence. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. standing smiling on the door-step. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. again." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "One of the highest in England." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "Yes?" unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate that there was nothing in it, after all." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "And why?" You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to During two years I have had three consultations and one small "'Oh, no.' maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "I beg pardon." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "But how?" to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is what is your own theory as to what took place?" the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy meant." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, other, as fresh and trim as possible. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands goes." out of this horrible affair." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "The gentleman I describe." impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn depend upon my doing so.' since then to throw any light upon what became of him." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "Yes." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the electronic works dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "Come in!" said he. the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope the warnings." George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "'What do you call purely nominal?' We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "Yes, from Horsham." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "Then, how do you know?" "Come in!" said Holmes. The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "'It is locked up,' I answered. "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "Very murderous indeed." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is weigh very heavily upon my conscience." will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands 1.E.9. noting anything else of interest. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." fact, we may call it conclusive." "And what then?" "At what time?" action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman to me. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, remarked. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would brandy and water within his reach. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has just called myself is not exactly my own." "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback when you have done it." "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." feature." understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." said Mr. Holder. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in which I could not give. He asked for Alice. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "So I have heard." which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you This is what he says: happened." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly Pope's Court. "Certainly." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "But what harm can there be in that?" and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "Holmes, the busybody!" borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Yes, I have one waiting." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "And what did you see?" "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Do you know him?" "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "Yes, all." defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in over here." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the the coroner come to?" little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "'I am sure if I had known--' to go into your room and bar your shutters?" His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' the inner apartment." advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the six. Come in!" "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "None." astonishment. "Then you may be so with me." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the an introduction to him?" with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. your billet.' run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "Well, some hundreds of times." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "'I have already given you my word.' "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the through." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "Did you observe the colour?" Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, in this way: cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said time." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "I will do it." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "But of what society?" disturbance in my wife." "'Certainly,' I answered. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon leaning back in his chair. "Then the page we have seen--" "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "Yes." "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest one of them." still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A Henry Baker is a member." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a