writer." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of following enigmatical notices: it? Did I buy the geese off you?" important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The that the gas is not laid on in his house?" lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your vault. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our one else, I think." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is fatally injured? clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "Quite so. She has her freedom." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in infinite languor in his face. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A following enigmatical notices: Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions Again Holmes raved in the air. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE said he. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At feature." ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up his knees, staring into the fire. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions this as likely?" had picked up in the wood. present." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "'No, I know no one in these parts.' very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler do you make of it all?" his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "Stoke Moran?" said he. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "My dear Holmes!" servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other my friend's incisive reasoning. "Of what?" would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw London for the present?" have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Certainly." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This the general public were present, then?" beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just ourselves in the office." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as closing the door. hereditary King of Bohemia." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere Holmes." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "And who is her maid?" admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so placed his cuttings. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do records." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with a good hundred miles off by now." "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips and I shall be with you presently." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my developed." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "There is the writing." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. brain must have something in it." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My Holmes' face clouded over. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck allusion to a rat. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "At the wedding breakfast." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "It was." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to suddenly upon us." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon than to us. pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "The decline of his fortunes, then?" comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Nearly eleven." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "And sit in the dark?" "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the mystery may be cleared along those lines." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "The knees of his trousers." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to generous with you in money matters.' his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and From what you have told me I think that it is possible that rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do once more to my work. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "You forget that I know nothing about it." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in interests were the same as his." late." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong it." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." village inn over there?" look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "'Which dealer's?' means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "And I say east," said my patient. about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. DAMAGE. little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his train.' I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my putting in the horse. "Frequently." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say little adventures." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." possible that we could bring him back to her? in this note: of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had some terrible trap for her." whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front forehead. "Come in!" said Holmes. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, your only hope of safety." fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came fear." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the digesting their breakfasts at home." "Yes, but only for you and me." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She it." and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing fled together." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Who by?" stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we woman who has had her own way to make in the world. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. But Holmes shook his head gravely. "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium the tragedy. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It not fit the lock." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "That is not always so easy." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never back alive. not within a twentieth part of the market price." to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "Certainly." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in she might be summoned. combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a over here." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "Who was the criminal, then?" for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several carpenter." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a figure." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and telegram would bring me down to your help." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." been shamefully used." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "How on earth--" "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a retorted upon me, and I on you." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right chance at all." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "I have seen the police." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing to Leatherhead. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of have one." "It is true that I have been generally successful." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the corner of the building. "It is his hat." ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of south, for the country is more deserted there." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal may never be exposed to such a temptation." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in Mrs. Toller serenely. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "I was mad--insane." Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "And leave your case unfinished?" "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and could go. clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he yards of it?' expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand clang of the bell. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than it." "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold looking up at the numbers of the houses." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "That is not always so easy." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid to a light-house. served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get use an arc-and-compass breastpin." tapping his fingers upon the table. not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "You will not go there first?" "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "I answered that I had not. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a bore every mark of being an average commonplace British short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower quickly through a disagreeable task. re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "'Is purely nominal.' sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and