few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving cause to be." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "No." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "Did you observe the colour?" fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the was already answered. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, since then to throw any light upon what became of him." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "I answered that I had not. shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "'What then?' I asked. "But your client--" confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and rat could hardly pass through." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. may never be exposed to such a temptation." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence the dangers which encompass me." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "To ruin me." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "Certainly." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by vague figure huddled up in the darkness. husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the brandy and water within his reach. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "And Miss Sutherland?" "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "You are hungry," I remarked. "Always." up this clue while it is still hot." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "In answer to an advertisement." that I may have something better before very many minutes are "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this pictures, libraries, or plate. human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual excitement. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "'Oh, no.' "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." noting anything else of interest. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his directly by questioning you." following enigmatical notices: yards of it?' towards the blaze. miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was more solid." observed. justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a to that open window." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "This photograph!" Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." some terrible trap for her." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "I cannot as yet see any connection." "What will you say?" "When did it break out?" I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how one which it was hard to resist. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. yards of it?' ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and hardly wander." sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the carried out of court." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "I have seen the police." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "My photograph." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the second window is the one that I jumped from." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never waste of energy." bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which in one or two places in England?' and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day bare slabs of marble. although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "Then I do not see the point." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "At half-wages, in fact." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man obstinate." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under Countess of Morcar's?" table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" strong reason behind." becomes even more simple." "It missed him, then?" down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most I. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready eavesdroppers?' have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, questioning and rather startled gaze. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "How did you trace it, then?" a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told arrested. You then--" inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "By train from Waterloo." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "Her father is very rich?" "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not for and were ordered to this address. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "Where, then?" assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he who was a member of your goose club." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and bird of prey. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, I. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past II. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My said he. "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "What!" he roared. any little problem which you may submit to me." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "What have you done?" asked Holmes. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to along the entire front of the house, with three long windows taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads the coronet at all injured?" "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" lamp. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in electronic works high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what me where it went to?" the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and His name is Francis Prosper." did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to more solid." "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "You have it, sir, just as it happened." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, look upon these things in a different way." legal crime." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely over here." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of of fine shops and stately business premises that they really man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "I do." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "'It is locked up,' I answered. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a that you saw all that I did." plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. have an American origin." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it IS Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a true." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "And from a noble client?" the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man through." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences felt the room to be a little close.' "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "What of the rat, then?" is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern invisible to me," I remarked. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the yards of it?' I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to keep the flames under. Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "I would give my fortune to have them back." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "I say it is." decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "One?" "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, pictures, libraries, or plate. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less seem to you to be relevant or not." "'What do you call purely nominal?' The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "It is half-past ten now." "To the police?" be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "It is a murder, then?" is worth.' possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the absolutely follow my advice in every respect." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock you." on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all on re-entering her father's house?" mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." passage and a tap at the door. "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, wedding?" of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has like gravel from a pit.' few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress entirely devoid of interest." writing, and yet I know it well." in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." occurred." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at placed his cuttings. Sutherland. bonnet, and went out." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are occurred." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for From what you have told me I think that it is possible that graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "Do you go out much in society?" believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." yards of it?' Holmes' room. traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread page at http://pglaf.org 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" tapping his fingers upon the table. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' not personally threatened." "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town bill, which interests me deeply." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Then I am your man." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after fear." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "The Coroner: What do you mean? asked. lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "BALLARAT." "I would give my fortune to have them back." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it in the dead of the night?' the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running question you as to those details which seem to me to be most Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which standing smiling on the door-step. Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, burst into a hearty fit of laughter. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "How long did she speak to this Alice?" Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the might have a private word with us. "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage to tackle the facts." with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "Absolutely?" the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily suspect him." of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "Precisely so. But how--" salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All Doctor, of the paper and the date." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in the inner apartment." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "'Oh, no.' august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am infinite languor in his face. reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "Your presence might be invaluable." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco recall any case within my experience which looked at the first matters immensely." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of strength of mind to control. "Texas, I think." There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "Have they thought of looking outside the house?"