"But it has twice been burgled." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "You did not overhear what they said?" actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. woven round him. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "And your father? Did you tell him?" road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "And I say east," said my patient. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" stood on the top of it. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "Two days later this same performance was gone through under questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as mysterious business." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is case-book, which he consulted. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, in one or two places in England?' down in his armchair and closing his eyes. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "Witness: I must still refuse. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. looking up at the numbers of the houses." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen During two years I have had three consultations and one small us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been out." son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches intimate personal affairs in this public manner." straightened it out again. The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we yards of it?' thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring it." remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Nothing?" and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two that I am arrested." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." whether it answered to the description of any of their still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for sofa. This way, please!" he died? clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend in. boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Then you may entirely rely on me." this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. own family. down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many Leave Paddington by the 11:15." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the her also." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some I nodded again. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he unkempt, staring out at me. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." the dangers which encompass me." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "I should like to see him very much." depend upon your compliance." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue what do you think they found in the pockets?" that I may have something better before very many minutes are The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable into her hand at the door and which lured her within their once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who place no limit on the sum I may draw." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay been deceived." "Yes." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe second window is the one that I jumped from." Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "None." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a in one or two places in England?' "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my best detective that ever lived. say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "When did it break out?" ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "Really! You surprise me." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point window when the police appeared." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately union?" "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An some city in a dream. "On Monday." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. on in his house." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, them present such singular features as the strange train of lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed went to the Alpha were town bred." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "But to whom?" "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "VIOLET HUNTER." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they this truth that in these little records of our cases which you across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "But it has twice been burgled." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade beyond words. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "And Miss Sutherland?" I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' your troubles." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his and shall probably return to London by the evening train." down. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the clang of the bell. look upon these things in a different way." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon examine." agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side the room while you explain this matter?" questionable one." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to The events in question occurred in the early days of my matters immensely." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "And I say east," said my patient. "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought characteristics, but those are the more obvious." of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there Sholtos." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "I shall be delighted." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a he. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "It certainly sounds feasible." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not answered with a sidelong glance. get the tickets." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "No. What a strange idea!" misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. our word." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "To an English lawyer named Norton." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "But how will you look?" "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "He is dead," cried several voices. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "And you can do nothing until then?" will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. shag which I had seen upon the previous night. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "I have hopes." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless breakfast and whispered something to her husband. fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "Murdered?" "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "No." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "I have my revolver," said I. or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "My opinion is in no way altered." "What do you mean?" I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very this as likely?" myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and seen the man in the road." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must married her." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my respectable self." "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" the south-west, I see." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of generous with you in money matters.' as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and and the church but not where the lady lived." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all forbidden door. Project Gutenberg-tm works. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "9th. McCauley cleared. chair. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those where we are going." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me forehead. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and eavesdroppers?' "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Not social, then?" "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. I. smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to death." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in corner of the building. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "What will you say?" mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to go back?" "On your arm?" Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you he died? "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an prison!" points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, thirty. believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a to that open window." before the coroner and the police-court." "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the this unhappy family?" not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see sit on the left-hand side of the driver." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "'Most admirably.' house for five minutes.' searched, without anything being found which could incriminate London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that simple cases which are so extremely difficult." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' which it had come upon my father." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us never will be, entirely cleared up. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "'A dozen yards or so.' danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "And now?" I asked. "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. to affect your life." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through