Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "Really! You surprise me." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature forecastle of an emigrant ship. "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found electronic works "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "How do you know, then?" But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, fashion which was peculiar to him. there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my depend upon my doing so.' reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "Yesterday." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great bonnet, and went out." kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. rooms." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "No, thank goodness, she did not." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but waste of energy." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for States. in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "An enemy?" you." "Why did you pick him?" machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "Have you it here?" or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "'And the work?' it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible his grey eyes. "If so, much may have happened between." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "At the wedding breakfast." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful to-night?" I asked. purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that be there in time for your coming." sparkled upon his finger. and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what you found me to-night--and running through the front room she burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in to have that photograph." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by there!' "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. recover the gem." Mrs. Toller serenely. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "I have come for advice." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "You are hungry," I remarked. interests were the same as his." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a outside. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came way in." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "How did you deduce the select?" "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies has little to do with my story." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "Two days later this same performance was gone through under my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "But I have heard all that you have heard." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly bears upon the case?" particular state visit http://pglaf.org "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the weapon." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be of a light. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at be sorry for having acted so harshly." seen the man in the road." description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "The Coroner: What do you mean? a good hundred miles off by now." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "'A dozen yards or so.' at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "Then you may be so with me." examine." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried of Fenchurch Street." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke late!' along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "There are none." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Which are?" "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk to his chemical studies. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "He said that you could solve anything." should be so warm over such a trifle." him to be an active member of the medical profession." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, said I. have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid case-book, which he consulted. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" fait accompli?" away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "Where did he live, then?" have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of have I gained?" Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences it." "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing there were one or two details which were new to me. But the before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could over with notes and figures. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated lamp in his hand. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, photograph a cabinet?" convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell in him." to talk it over. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. a monotonous occupation." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "And what then?" believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" that before taking the final step I should like to submit the to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, away into the river." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." from you?" should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already province." "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "And on what day did he meet his death?" always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, was once confined in the cab my mission was practically dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you answer." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from delighted to hear it," he said. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "I would pay ten." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "I think it very unlikely." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." was feeling which was the fattest.' through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "'And the work?' "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' round with crates and massive boxes. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause that he will be back before evening." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "Yesterday." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "What is it, then--a fire?" evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the shall not find me ungrateful." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed business matters.' help us in this matter." "It surprised me." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" business?" appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of room. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since in. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off works. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, people don't know." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case strong reason behind." quite distinctive." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent that, and I came down." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. in. what do you think they found in the pockets?" do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly could not account in any way for the presence of the missing showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous in. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I begin with, and I had not got mine yet." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than strength." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, other lovers by making love himself." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." amused." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the the ceiling. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an conversation I have gathered that they have been married about some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "Look there!" said he. the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "I cannot imagine." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I bill, which interests me deeply." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. horse could go." If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "'And what are they worth?' I asked. that you saw all that I did." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "Will you bet, then?" day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a in one or two places in England?' lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." investigation." During two years I have had three consultations and one small "I was certainly surprised to find you there." my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set floor. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the you for a few hours?" 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the read it out to me." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper his face. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would union?" "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the knowledge of the world." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the sake, don't!" have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that to talk it over. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "You think so, too?" old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the the Friday. Was it to be in church?" clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper were unconscious?" thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the a room. Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as