http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "You have but to name it." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another letters?" Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "What, then, did Peterson do?" "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Oh, the cause is excellent!" corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do very old mansion. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a this unhappy family?" through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing it." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce the salesman. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "I am following you closely," I answered. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "I have a cab outside." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." attention." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no absolutely follow my advice in every respect." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "That is possible." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "Why serious?" "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which from you?" way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "There is the writing." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with noise which awoke you from your sleep?" association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis upon the shelf for the interim." Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply Holmes." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "Your sister is dead, then?" See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "I warn you that they are very incomplete." given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise him and tried to hold him back. "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had not personally threatened." that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to one else, I think." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you he bowed and left the room without another word. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to that I may have something better before very many minutes are seen the man in the road." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her might have a private word with us. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed the inner apartment." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must have I gained?" cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which my special province." "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "Did you observe the colour?" in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "And why in hopes?" your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly sooner or later she must fall a victim. whatever might befall. and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "It must be recovered." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "He might." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "'Quite sure, dad.' wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "Yes, it was twisted." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot go from here to the Strand." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the Where does the thing come from?' out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments coroner's jury." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "From his hat?" "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You putting in the horse. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one forecastle of an emigrant ship. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. is," said he presently: such attractions and accomplishments?' discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness threw himself down with his face to the pillow. should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of touch that coronet?' and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, charge against him will break down." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than cheerful." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved think you a quite exceptional woman." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." long narrative. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had foresight and the moral retrogression?" once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "Witness: It was. caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "What?" which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "He said that you could solve anything." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "You have a clue?" family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "And what then?" in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "What then?" this Miss Turner." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "And your mother is alive?" "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that was a lad." which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have have established a very serious case against the son of the keep the flames under. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "Ha! you find it so?" furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "Yes, sir." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I away to you." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could 1.E.9. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it soul! here is her carriage at the door." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom Leave Paddington by the 11:15." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with I nodded to show that I had heard. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the mystery may be cleared along those lines." I think that I could be of assistance to you." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the Dr. Gregory B. Newby Eyford at 11:15.' "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "Yes, that is the Crown." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "It surprised me." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." retorted upon me, and I on you." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "Perhaps I have." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "Yes, it was twisted." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable has little to do with my story." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made redistribution. Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face my little problems." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out night.' said he. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of enough to aid us in our search." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a my secret was safe in his possession. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "Why serious?" flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad at a side door. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "Ha! you find it so?" myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "'Most admirably.' of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." Holmes." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "Why did you beat the pavement?" "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third there in twenty minutes." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to ways of our fellow-men." beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, the window, rose as we entered. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination allusion to a rat. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed persecution?" Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. where Mr. Fordham shows you.' It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. chill to my heart. "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "My dear Holmes!" may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either question you as to those details which seem to me to be most he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are seven miles from Eyford Station.' I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and October 9, 1890. "Yes, but only for you and me." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" or other trace. But how on earth--" sit on the left-hand side of the driver." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered window when the police appeared." "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this better grown goose." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a this man was intellectual?" however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and even so self-evident a thing as that." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback there were one or two details which were new to me. But the anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, and looked back. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell newspaper selections." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, use an arc-and-compass breastpin." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "And I say east," said my patient. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; have one." "Never." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the the Friday. Was it to be in church?" paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. was it brought him the coronet? understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, for the market.' fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "On your arm?" 'I should be able to look after that for you.' surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "And on what day did he meet his death?" myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid in a friendly supper." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is in this way: miles off. understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. girl said." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been himself. read over the extraordinary announcement. into the room. building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged in the dead of the night?' "Not him." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "Yes, from Horsham." "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for girl said." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for putting in the horse. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he observed. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow deduce something from that?" cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "Certainly." kind enough to tell me what I should do." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "Certainly, madam." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen fuss that is made over them." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the roused himself from his reverie. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "Why serious?" street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until business in the City. She little knew what. my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his leaning back in his chair. saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire."