down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and and a shock of very red hair. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "Yes, it was twisted." "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated awkward doing business with an alias." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his the child." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "Murdered?" nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my one of the states of the Union." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest your Highness to the police-station?" fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who is entirely a question of barometric pressure." until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the and put his glass in his pocket. always that they were such commands as a lady might with understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He fasten all the windows?" and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. during which he might have communicated with his friend the bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted presume?" "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of helping a boy to put up the shutters. bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "'Most admirably.' every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." of receipt of the work. "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." tell me that you intended to go into harness." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "You horrify me." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "What are they?" "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "He disappeared so suddenly." with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "What are they?" served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man trifles." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a question you as to those details which seem to me to be most remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew right! Sit down and let us talk it over." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears father's place of business?" reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "In the cells." that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was undoubtedly my uncle's." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened round with crates and massive boxes. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which have an American origin." his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "Yes. He waved his hands." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You these bleak autumnal evenings." of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger advice." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "I know where it is." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and fasten all the windows?" drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that the child." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing Young McCarthy must be got off, however." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for meant it for the best. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its will not take me long to tell. and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged shag which I had seen upon the previous night. re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "What then?" including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather place no limit on the sum I may draw." "Yes, sir." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "I think it very unlikely." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and tied." discontent upon his features. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in rooms." least a fellow-countryman. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "And the cigar-holder?" stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the use an arc-and-compass breastpin." you." "'About the same.' "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my because she had spent so short a time in this country that she your billet.' remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing anything to a woman, for she would have her way." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "By train from Waterloo." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "Witness: Nothing definite. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "Yes, there are nearly always some there." pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." the one as in the other." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I already been minutely examined." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his at a side door. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit what I may call a really hard day's work." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This seem to you to be relevant or not." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never stepfather?" Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. prepare for the new role I have to play." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. the stones. congratulate you again." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to way in everything. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "It is very clear." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. man. heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to fat-encircled eyes. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "How about poison?" papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a she used." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "I think it very unlikely." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I returning from some small jollification and was making his way she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely cost them two and thirty pounds." "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "But how will you look?" offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "Won't it ring?" help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a hour?' "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at in this way: light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "None." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "May I see it?" but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, are windows in it, of course?" his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the door?" a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "I cannot imagine." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "To the police?" "Look there!" said he. skylight. felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "'Ten to two.' "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works writing, and yet I know it well." "But I am all in the dark." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of notes," he said. the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction murdered man." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "'Certainly not.' mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "'Which dealer's?' in this note: ways of our fellow-men." classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "To the police?" "'Yes, I promise.' back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Can I be of assistance?" "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could public press." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? of the one which your family is now devouring." late!' "'Is purely nominal.' change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally notes," he said. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "It must be recovered." "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an James Windibank. Voilà tout!" fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue friends, not even his own brother. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some writing, and yet I know it well." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "Come in!" said he. "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Witness: Nothing definite. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "I answered that I had not. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "And how did you verify them?" see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." address. second." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been was feeling which was the fattest.' "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the Mrs. Toller serenely. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much in darkness. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "'Where could I find him?' but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. in the port of London." size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in I shall communicate with you." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am down. the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the footfalls from the street. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since here and I will read it to you: You can understand that this register and diary may implicate I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "It is his hat." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did occurred." it." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look beg that you will break it off." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "That is unusual in a young girl." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in October 9, 1890. "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "When did it break out?" as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "Proceed, then." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case presented more singular features than that which was associated it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the felt the room to be a little close.' "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Yes." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "You have it, sir, just as it happened." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "About a month then." when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was his cane at the bell-pull. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how during which he might have communicated with his friend the "It is half-past ten now." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the there." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of made his money." "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?"