could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. as he folded up the epistle. Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, British peeress.'" with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "Who by?" conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "'And the work?' other means.' "Then, how do you know?" glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "I say that I have solved it." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been I shall communicate with you." of his shoulders. shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has when you have done it." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure his face which made him a very different person to the round, the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "No sign of it?" "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of go back?" Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "Then I can wait in the next room." has little to do with my story." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of call for it in person on Monday morning.' still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" tell me that you intended to go into harness." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the silent! Oh, he will be silent!' demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "On the contrary, this is the right side." "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, works. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "Pray do so." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "But his left-handedness." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a Pope's Court. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "But it has twice been burgled." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set fluttered off among the others. "You horrify me!" who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." comes from the middle window." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was depend upon my doing so.' about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four to miss it." asked with his eyes open. "Come in!" said he. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She crime. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "My private note-paper." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "I will, Miss Turner." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so least a most suspicious remark." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another man. I know him from the photograph." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "To the police?" generous with you in money matters.' "But you were on a friendly footing?" with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in place, I think that there is good ground to think that the triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from thought that she would have been so carried away." "And what did you learn from him?" "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "Yes. He waved his hands." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "How about poison?" consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens do you make of it all?" Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "Yes, it was twisted." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, have not had my rubber." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that my little problems." that I am arrested." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." three of the beryls in it, was missing. criminal. We have already had experience of such." "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such like gravel from a pit.' the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of down in his armchair and closing his eyes. would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported and no precautions can guard against." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up these bleak autumnal evenings." "I promise," said Holmes. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard your billet.' lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been the house with me." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and some place of shelter and let the county police know what has sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "Never." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a occupations.' "The Cedars?" other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the behind me. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall someone who had been in Australia." clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "And your father? Did you tell him?" shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. character. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. prisoner's face. together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "Never to return." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who and a shock of very red hair. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." true." weapon." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for might have a private word with us. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as have accepted such a situation. brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' married her." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my presented more singular features than that which was associated which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "On the contrary, this is the right side." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might that I may have something better before very many minutes are "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our over his head with a sweet womanly caress. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted helping a boy to put up the shutters. week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "I know where it is." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations to where he stood hid behind the curtain. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "'And the work?' and no precautions can guard against." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Yes." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "Holmes, the busybody!" "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" an introduction to him?" such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "I will try. What is it?" two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "Then, how do you know?" ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "The gentleman I describe." which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you kindly on the shoulder. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon persecution?" "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said come either from the window or the door. My attention was swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "What can you not understand?" "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and begun to whiten, even as mine has." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just not personally threatened." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that Miss Holder?" company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "Yes." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his late." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you when you have done it." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a ordinary clothes on?" there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, looking up at the numbers of the houses." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "How about poison?" wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, was it brought him the coronet? his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "Yes." offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "And how did you find out?" expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "They are typewritten," I remarked. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must with her." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "And why?" of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster tell them apart.' should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the washing it down with a long draught of water. "Then the page we have seen--" a room. array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "Thank you. Pray proceed." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "It was." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "Did he not advertise?" took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never wedding?" remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the security.' Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," province." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he in my life." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss over with notes and figures. question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open round and wave him away like that.' "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a way in everything. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon photograph a cabinet?" waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to of this gang." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed you?' "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, said he. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "'Very good.' buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday writing, and yet I know it well." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his letters?" of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way occupations.' believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "Of what day?" swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "Has he come with you to-night?" Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman here." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." be there in time for your coming." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid directors, with the result that you have seen." sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Won't it ring?" fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs certainly do as you advise." I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in man. "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt opened a pocket-book and took out a note. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. know all about it," he snarled. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some assist you in forming an opinion." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was