listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, in this way: I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "Proceed, then." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I keep the flames under. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who details." "Yes, from Horsham." that I am arrested." set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "Dr. Becher's." companion imperturbably. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "Then what has happened to him?" never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his to his chemical studies. "I answered that I had not. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. for its centre. seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "You horrify me." just called myself is not exactly my own." fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed the window, rose as we entered. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that you in your example." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work than was visible to me." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "But you have hopes?" all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon was a lad." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with a suggestive one." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "Oh, yes, easily." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may any more." "'What then?' I asked. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the you give your casting vote to?" as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to fuss that is made over them." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so fuss that is made over them." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. never to learn it at all." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. I nodded to show that I had heard. way in." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so out of this horrible affair." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he The events in question occurred in the early days of my gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very purpose of examination. sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland ran thus: I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his opportunities to fix the problem. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have you, my dear young lady?' number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "There are none." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless experiences." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black of them has the shutters up.' bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "What! Had he lost his wife?" feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "Of what?" down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "But you can know nothing of this?" of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others at a side door. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "May I see it?" ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle British peeress.'" "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond heavily into it. "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no note?" "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a open." other, as fresh and trim as possible. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive with some details as to your case." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded had a long day." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "What office?" we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a wedding?" "But she will refuse." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came the very morning of the wedding." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we crime." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the awkward doing business with an alias." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his compunction about shooting them down." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "We have tried and failed." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple said he, "my real name is James Ryder." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the bearing upon the case." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "And why?" them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a unclasping of his long thin hands. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the business came to an end." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, a room. Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, strength in the others." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "I say it is." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting opportunities to fix the problem. over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with compunction about shooting them down." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came works. See paragraph 1.E below. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered to where he stood hid behind the curtain. whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I thought that she would have been so carried away." "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and straightened it out again. "Yes." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the window when the police appeared." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "Her father is very rich?" "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "Yes." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, rat could hardly pass through." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "I saw her in conversation with her maid." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the generous with you in money matters.' the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "'Ten to two.' answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the one's self under obligations.' "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. fattened it expressly for you.' two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and least a fellow-countryman. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird again before evening." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "Certainly." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive undoubtedly my uncle's." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be himself to hunt down. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age opportunities to fix the problem. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in is," said he presently: thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now you." weighed down with some great anxiety. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is maiden herself was most instructive." you in yours." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "And leave your case unfinished?" dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were really the only notable feature about the thing." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "It is very kind of you." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of showing my impatience. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but Literary Archive Foundation he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, tell him that I know him to be innocent." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of gone. My friend smiled. compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the be there in time for your coming." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "I warn you that they are very incomplete." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch individual and becomes the badge of a society." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "I do." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of the roots. keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this of receipt of the work. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "Was she in good spirits?" agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "Pray let us have it, for all that." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in present." matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, clanging. if I call to-morrow?" said he at last. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "'Most admirably.' to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and to a more successful conclusion." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage again on its way. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "I should wish to." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "What have you to say now?" smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the like gravel from a pit.' was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business Chief Executive and Director key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of American. Then who could this American be, and why should he corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." and your relations to her." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the take the flies, but not before." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "It is possible." against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, respectable self." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "From his hat?" should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "About a month then." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on occupations.' "And from a noble client?" past. figure." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "And Irene Adler?" the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "It is very clear." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room spare." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about and wait." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed