his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "On Monday." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "Certainly." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are washing it down with a long draught of water. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then hard-headed British jury." "That sounds a little paradoxical." roused himself from his reverie. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in and shall probably return to London by the evening train." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no shoulder. pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "It is possible." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my situation." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "Was your sister dressed?" arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "By train from Waterloo." old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it of receipt of the work. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue heavy and sharp instrument." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I became a certainty. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "What, then?" yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to hopeless attempt at recovering them." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, to Leatherhead. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, conceal it?" in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very any more." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "'Entirely.' blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I the Red-headed League." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "It is to him that this trophy belongs." friend's singular character. "Stoke Moran?" said he. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the here and I will read it to you: "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "None. Neville wrote those words." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "Then I am your man." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom Munro.' whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless interest. They are important, you understand, without being unprecedented a position." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which Stoke Moran." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are instituted." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was and I shall be with you presently." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some forbidden door. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination had died away into the silence from which it rose. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a down in his armchair and closing his eyes. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I yourselves in at night?" front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the there!' doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." said he. matter." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of coroner's jury." "Yes." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than late." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Do you know him?" gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads London for the present?" "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some maiden herself was most instructive." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no present strange and interesting features that it is no easy charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "Yesterday." "But I am all in the dark." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. written, and locked the door of the office after me. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, been with you?" some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of crackling voice. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social John Swain, of St. Augustine. London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not mysterious business." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from be there in time for your coming." sake, don't!" the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "It missed him, then?" into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "What of the rat, then?" may have an influence upon European history." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." quickly through a disagreeable task. son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an he. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was newspaper selections." a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey rooms." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who detained." "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "About a month then." note?" disappearance of these gems?" just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "'As governess?' "So I am. Very much so." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my at home. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had and the church but not where the lady lived." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. approach us with offers to donate. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, Sutherland?" stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the gentleman's clothes. instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled o'clock is it?" right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if heavily into it. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "Pray tell us what has happened to you." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the cigars in their mouths. "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "They are typewritten," I remarked. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached grasp, he hurried from the room. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "I do." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He happened." the coronet at all injured?" too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. sparkled upon his finger. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then help us in this matter." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "What steps will you take?" I asked. "ARAT," I read. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing Leadenhall Street--and--" in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly and put his glass in his pocket. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "But what will you do?" the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of union?" "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "Yes." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Where is it, then?" "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the could gather together that I was able to avert another public understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "What do you make of that, Watson?" "Will you bet, then?" "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with see me here to avoid scandal." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little and that he would see to anything that turned up. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "We have tried and failed." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, bachelor.' woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of habit of advancing money.' It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "Where, indeed?" secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "ARAT," I read. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "I cannot tell." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should towards the blaze. "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so recall any case within my experience which looked at the first doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many second." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar said I. people don't know." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the later, upon the night of May 2nd." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into as this. Pray let me have the details." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that have an American origin." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "Why, it's a dummy," said he. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "And it is--" sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I point in the dark hollow of his hand. http://www.gutenberg.net common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "How did he come?" "What do you make of that, Watson?" "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "What! Had he lost his wife?" grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite peculiar to him. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "It is a murder, then?" conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the get her out of the way." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper the inquest, and which are worth considering." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "Do you know him?" "And that is--" observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, you understand?" "Yes." "And I." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's is so. I know all about McCarthy." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is them present such singular features as the strange train of "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "And I say east," said my patient. be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your