"One horse?" interjected Holmes. up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for enter Dr. Roylott's room." "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Then, as to money?" End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and to-night's adventure." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom there!' until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope placed his cuttings. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do her also." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the business matters.' had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six the little opening for the ventilator is." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his sneer upon his pale face. for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has bed dies. Does not that strike you?" be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may orange pips. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "I know where it is." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "How do you know, then?" from the brougham. "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "My dear Holmes!" fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "'How far from the body?' quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." asked with his eyes open. strong reason behind." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any way in." "But I have heard all that you have heard." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "How on earth--" we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest was lame." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and The King stared at him in amazement. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, good-night and bustled off upon her way. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding photograph a cabinet?" snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most gone. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "It was." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of went to the Alpha were town bred." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at in the hope of finding them." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." I nodded to show that I had heard. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the particular state visit http://pglaf.org will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' the coronet in his hands?" Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet the very morning of the wedding." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "Then what has happened to him?" "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in occupations.' "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "No." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "I cannot tell." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the bird of prey. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to you in yours." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just pity, because in other respects you would really have done very he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither exactly what you advise." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Murdered?" "What then?" in. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned annoyance, but no jest. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a garden below. "How are you getting on?" formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to felt the room to be a little close.' autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "Perhaps we may make them less so." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I it." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is said he. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some or other trace. But how on earth--" sound at heart." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with excitement. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the lost nothing by them." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' strength in the others." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in Miss Holder?" were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "How about poison?" "But what will you do?" "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should rooms." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire I took the paper from him and read as follows: which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "If I can be of use." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and some city in a dream. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands come either from the window or the door. My attention was shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for yourselves in at night?" "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent here." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "Why, what do you mean?" consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He himself to tell his story. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three and all of them with the keenest interest. mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "Yes." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "A confidential servant?" "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "It is to him that this trophy belongs." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands taking in every detail of the apartment. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "Witness: It was. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. questioning and rather startled gaze. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows Clair, of Lee." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" morning." my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom had formerly been in part my own. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "I say that I have solved it." Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "'Yes, I promise.' "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that asked. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "What then?" house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "No, distinctly professional." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you the running down." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "But to whom?" distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of the room while you explain this matter?" is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "No, I am descending." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "And Miss Sutherland?" just called myself is not exactly my own." "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he legal crime." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project to take care of herself." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, had died away into the silence from which it rose. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the was a perfect sample of the class. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "One horse?" interjected Holmes. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did His name is Francis Prosper." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right Holmes rather sternly. "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing works. See paragraph 1.E below. refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little extraordinary contortions. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive in the dead of the night?' "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "To the police?" brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible cigars in the box." "And I." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given was already answered. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and village inn over there?" to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this there in twenty minutes." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled http://gutenberg.net/license). glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His soul! here is her carriage at the door." and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the shag which I had seen upon the previous night. money should be paid at once.' "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, yourselves in at night?" home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "'Very good.' tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." examine." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "What are they?" you in yours." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A until night should bring an explanation. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been him." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. once more for Briony Lodge. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind against a man in the prime of life?" mysterious end." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his seem to you to be relevant or not." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "I should wish to." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the do you make of it all?" "And help." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "Yes, the wine-cellar." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most into the room. open." there is a decided draught." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "No, thank goodness, she did not." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his how narrow had been my escape. them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "Her father is very rich?" charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more fishes. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat