the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from Chief Executive and Director ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he upon the white wrist. sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "Yes, sir." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has it. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be here." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I stammered. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with ourselves in the office." definite end. "And how have you succeeded?" and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "I don't believe it." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" chambers. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote standing smiling on the door-step. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm back to my heart. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" as he folded up the epistle. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." has little to do with my story." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that purpose of examination. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "Yes, but only for you and me." "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do extraordinary contortions. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I James Windibank. Voilà tout!" Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. me." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to followed. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "What will you say?" "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are he. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." hard-headed British jury." "Did you observe the colour?" do.' "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "To ruin me." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police purpose of examination. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, and shall probably return to London by the evening train." instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method may never be exposed to such a temptation." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of other means.' cigar and let me expound." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a returning from some small jollification and was making his way left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, fattened it expressly for you.' whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "Did your wife hear all this?" scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "How many? I don't know." This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. outsides of the windows. "My photograph." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted the roots. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Yes." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I said he. evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you yourselves in at night?" came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias case before our client came into the room." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be His smile broadened. strength in the others." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was has little to do with my story." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "You think so, too?" with some details as to your case." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious Miss Holder?" fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the felt the room to be a little close.' fait accompli?" "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his with some details as to your case." "Not him." "I will, Miss Turner." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are the coronet at all injured?" thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers fuss that is made over them." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a tail." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can photograph?" Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his forbidden door. probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "'Yes, it was gone.' "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to may never be exposed to such a temptation." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "You have a clue?" lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "What do you make of that, Watson?" him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I not, dad?" she asked. Have you good authority for what you say?" quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must to-night?' widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A the station." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared your troubles." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right strength." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "It is possible." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "You were travelling in the States?" along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I flock.' may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, and the colonel ushered me in. "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass papers on the sundial.'" if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an during the last few years, and there are many noble families to The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "Awake, Watson?" he asked. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "And I to find an enemy." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." against a man in the prime of life?" expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "What can you not understand?" "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "To ruin me." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be do you make of it all?" dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "How are you getting on?" signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "What is it?" "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to shag which I had seen upon the previous night. I nodded to show that I had heard. "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It highly," said Holmes. "It missed him, then?" lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "I say that I have solved it." man. I know him from the photograph." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "Yes, it was twisted." "I say that I have solved it." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "I fear not." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "Why, it's a dummy," said he. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "Where, indeed?" delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "None." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "What, then?" Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two went to the Alpha were town bred." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "Because he was handy and would come cheap." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons upon the shelf for the interim." my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "'What are you doing there?' he asked. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and you." amused." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us article?" strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is weary and pale-looking. your own bird, so if you wish--" those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years said I. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at with you?" occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. October 9, 1890. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so standing smiling on the door-step. one else, I think." "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "He said too much." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further the little opening for the ventilator is." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and his fortune, and I went back to pa. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is strange features which were associated with the two crimes which cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "Pray tell us what has happened to you." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the use an arc-and-compass breastpin." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at your own bird, so if you wish--" the coroner come to?" only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his the bottom.' Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need danger is over." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. Edgeware Road. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the room had already been engaged for us. "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "Yes." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "Just look it up, then." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we you found me to-night--and running through the front room she hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, back to my heart. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I married her."