foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "Yes, they were peculiar boots." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination The King stared at him in amazement. "BALLARAT." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent in this note: Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "And how in the world did you find them?" though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "Precisely." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "I cannot say that I have." your equipment. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which of it with the greatest attention. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how eavesdroppers?' he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place undoubtedly my uncle's." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I mystery!" Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "And how did you verify them?" exactly what you advise." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "'Never,' said I. would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more window when the police appeared." absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no do." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you any." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "I don't say that. Perhaps." Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "So I am. Very much so." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say Dr. Gregory B. Newby inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of of your young ladies.' "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "Your presence might be invaluable." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way upon the white wrist. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left leave you to your papers for a little." power." Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "But how will you look?" for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "Dirty?" hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps your room." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' own family. editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting was keenly on my guard against him. "Then you may be so with me." "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Witness: It was. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. to tell." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, II. also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the had formerly been in part my own. There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "None." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, from the brougham. father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to details should find their way into the papers. Inspector but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without ashen face. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some help us in this matter." that you can jump it.' he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary locked." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "Is he quiet?" he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." once more for Briony Lodge. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very problems help me to do so." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges Chief Executive and Director been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "Entirely." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Which surely he restored to their owner?" 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my name is different." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "You were travelling in the States?" There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack she might be summoned. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out him. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much he. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "I am still in the dark." gentleman's clothes. gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "No good news?" Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." coroner's jury." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very chance at all." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your him!" certainly do as you advise." massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was this remarkable episode. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the colonel looking down at me. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of said he. "In heaven's name, what for?" them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular the matter." "'What do you call purely nominal?' with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the there was no need for father to know." "You were travelling in the States?" besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and with frightened eyes at his accuser. "'Certainly,' I answered. pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "'I have heard so.' "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not the house with me." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "The landlord of the Alpha." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "It missed him, then?" them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "The vanishing of the lady." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "'You cannot say what it was?' the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third could gather together that I was able to avert another public "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were or other trace. But how on earth--" of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's and capable of preserving a secret.' Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that the bed, and you in that chair." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "But you can know nothing of this?" "Why serious?" "What, then, did Peterson do?" in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "What have you done?" asked Holmes. the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "This photograph!" Where does the thing come from?' wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, a little more before I quite committed myself. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord morning." "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. could gather together that I was able to avert another public "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense depend upon your compliance." hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so eavesdroppers?' with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a Gutenberg-tm License. over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was shaken than I had ever seen him. I was concerned in it." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the so far?" "And I to find an enemy." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his believe that I should never have any practice at all. unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent stepfather?" "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "Yes, it would be as well." "The vanishing of the lady." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and public press." blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, get her out of the way." of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "What is it?" could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter do.' slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in tell him that I know him to be innocent." became a certainty. new duties?' profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens on re-entering her father's house?" think that any burglar could have done. foot. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "You were travelling in the States?" of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six into her hand at the door and which lured her within their narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. tell them apart.' a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my the south-west, I see." Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he not fit the lock." invisible to me," I remarked. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, papers on the sundial.'" direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There nice household for a young lady." preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in disturbance in my wife." villagers almost as much as their master. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "Perhaps I have." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "An accident, I presume?" became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "But he might be a bachelor." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "But to whom?" professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "And you thought he was pulled back?" "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "By train from Waterloo." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "Then you may entirely rely on me." with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might means taking possession of that which another person has a prior he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at these bleak autumnal evenings." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "And is that all?" "And your father? Did you tell him?" right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's for and were ordered to this address. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Yes, certainly." business." "To the police?" PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP most important business. It is probable that he will be away all the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were own family. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from persecution?" in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" girl said." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an green of the new foliage. more solid." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "That also I could fathom." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, generous with you in money matters.' "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was forecastle of an emigrant ship. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" the tragedy. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I meant it for the best. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, Young McCarthy must be got off, however." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "You have a clue?" "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of to affect your life." "Then the page we have seen--" "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "'Which dealer's?' every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban of it with the greatest attention. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Oh, fresh and glossy." refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the husband's writing, madam." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he