"My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the cheerful." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can to-night's adventure." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere Pope's Court. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "By all means." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a then?" it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must and wait." to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of away into the river." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking you?" quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "Yes, I have one waiting." "Then, how do you know?" "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural of campaign. in darkness. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Where, then, is my wife?" right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Then, how do you know?" well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. into the bag, and made for the door. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "But we can't all be." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "Bought." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, then?" so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "I think that it is very probable." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "'No, I know no one in these parts.' of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Yes, only one." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "Will you go?" in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." writers could invent nothing more crude." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked with you alone." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know disturbance in my wife." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me in his power. should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of think, you have already met." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "I was sure that I might rely on you." nights." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "Always." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek disappearance of these gems?" sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "What will you do, then?" for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what His name is Francis Prosper." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so Gutenberg-tm License. low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I was lame." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular at home. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I charged with?" should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "'As governess?' the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "What I expected to see." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the asked. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; I was concerned in it." "I beg pardon." with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "Pray continue your narrative." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I companion quietly. "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "Entirely." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, the side-table." day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. used to be." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as carpenter." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one his face. "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "'Certainly,' I answered. the best of training." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I approach us with offers to donate. "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "What do you mean?" Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the be sorry for having acted so harshly." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual who was a member of your goose club." how narrow had been my escape. "'What, the red-headed man?' dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "And how?" pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." I approached. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "'Yes.' and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can morning." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His the Friday. Was it to be in church?" thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a I took the paper from him and read as follows: "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able where she found matters as described by the last witness. grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales approach us with offers to donate. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind direction." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got more terrible than the truth. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with directors, with the result that you have seen." forecastle of an emigrant ship. reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "But how will you look?" so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it 'I should be able to look after that for you.' greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for address. digesting their breakfasts at home." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "Always." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot said I. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. hopeless attempt at recovering them." no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the room?" his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying written, and locked the door of the office after me. points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. charged with?" cost them two and thirty pounds." I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" the matter?" without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered than was visible to me." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "What?" "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. the best of training." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, DISSOLVED. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a the coronet in his hand?" Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no fishes. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry guilty parties." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "In San Francisco, a year ago." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from to tell." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "Never." such attractions and accomplishments?' to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me into the room. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure and all of them with the keenest interest. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "Then I do not see the point." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a the address that was given us in the advertisement. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "Upon what point?" Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, roused himself from his reverie. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major again before evening." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the like gravel from a pit.' There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, companion. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events gigantic client. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a galvanised. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards it? Did I buy the geese off you?" well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, and laid it on the table. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of was once confined in the cab my mission was practically this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go to where he stood hid behind the curtain. hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really the child." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "But your client--" to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "He disappeared so suddenly." "Where, indeed?" that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I you." "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, go from here to the Strand." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? fear." guilty one." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "When did she vanish, then?" vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "My Mary? Impossible!" the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." some terrible trap for her." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "You have but to name it." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of again, where I was soon asleep. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "The knees of his trousers." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "What do you mean?" for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with friend's singular character. 'please.'" hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Yes, it was twisted." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "Not him." "Yes, it was twisted." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "Were they all fastened this morning?" while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "You were travelling in the States?" a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "Yes." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice noise which awoke you from your sleep?" sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, into the room. idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another which our visitor detailed to us. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "Then he might have called to you?" "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager sentimental considerations in the background which would induce down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "But what will you do?" the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes,