what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my had a long day." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "'Never,' said I. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of Eyford." Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You electronic works so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "You are hungry," I remarked. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "Why, what do you mean?" At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "But how will you look?" nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not geese which you supplied to the Alpha." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." business." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "Ha! you find it so?" very old mansion. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Have you her photograph?" "Where, then, is my wife?" mystery." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, meanly of me." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to night.' said he. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "That sounds a little paradoxical." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Yes." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now door?" anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never her also." her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "One horse?" interjected Holmes. a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads third from London." still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "And help." your co-operation." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us tassel actually lying upon the pillow. round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe me what he had done with the three missing stones. that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important which we had just quitted. congenial hunt. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" your own bird, so if you wish--" "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him him!" "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid the room while you explain this matter?" to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "No." "Thank you. And your address?" massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "No?" wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I frequently gained my first real insight into the character of 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." bled considerably." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "One?" Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our have not had my rubber." of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon as he remarks, very much against the son." disappearance of these gems?" sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester to affect your life." "Yes, sir." putting in the horse. "Then I can wait in the next room." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards that before taking the final step I should like to submit the you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? It may be so in this case, also." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "But what will you do?" "Was there a secret marriage?" said I. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his points to suicide?" his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips you." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, meant it for the best. phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project suspect him." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel examination of the premises, but without finding anything which presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" conduct the inquiry." "And from a noble client?" some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for of a light. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and to-night's adventure." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning you." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly row." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "Stolen, then." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six habit of advancing money.' We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do go--none." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of have got?" was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a conduct the inquiry." "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy too. extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, suspect him." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in keep the flames under. Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 strength." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, to arrive at through this?" of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few troubles have been weighing upon his mind. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two or in danger--" and looked back. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "And on what day did he meet his death?" correct than the official force." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do in a very precise fashion." strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, ventilator." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a writer." presented more singular features than that which was associated points in connection with it which never have been, and probably tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "Yes, but only for you and me." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "You think so, too?" feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" to his chemical studies. was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just few hundred pounds.' SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular again." short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study bore every mark of being an average commonplace British side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Is he quiet?" here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that more solid." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which light and attacked it." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm putting in the horse. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "I cannot tell." "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "When did she vanish, then?" did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "But the mystery?" dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you problems help me to do so." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was that you wished to speak to me?' for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower gentleman's clothes. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of that you can jump it.' from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "And how did you verify them?" This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the John Swain, of St. Augustine. more terrible than the truth. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "I will, Miss Turner." into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "And is that all?" "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "My opinion is in no way altered." congenial hunt. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "From his hat?" I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is washing it down with a long draught of water. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "And how did he make his money?" inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little enter Dr. Roylott's room." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I three of the beryls in it, was missing. following enigmatical notices: through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he have got?" circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "An accident, I presume?" the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave here." me what he had done with the three missing stones. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "How did you deduce the select?" The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he grasp, he hurried from the room. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "If I can be of use." unprofitable." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "It missed him, then?" staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "No, thank goodness, she did not." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of could not have written that. It is the German who is so ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness with the outside air!" 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. despaired of." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "Which are?" bird of prey. the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are lost nothing by them." amused." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "And for present expenses?" boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Well?" advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" would then never go into court at all." not, dad?" she asked. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who late." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off bears upon the case?" Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "Ample." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before had picked up in the wood. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as at once, for I have only half an hour." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "'What then?' I asked. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger outsides of the windows. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "Certainly." "You have carte blanche." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the