but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until upon the white wrist. opportunities to fix the problem. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free manager. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "'And what are they worth?' I asked. the nursery. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from sooner or later she must fall a victim. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day sofa. This way, please!" Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "Where did you address your letters, then?" question," said Holmes, smiling. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the fuss that is made over them." other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then it." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. that you wished to speak to me?' child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which me, and I could not think that his explanation of the in darkness. purpose of examination. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock in a friendly supper." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "I am in hopes that she does." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found chemical work which was so dear to him. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; James Windibank. Voilà tout!" course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good you for a few hours?" cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. what is your own theory as to what took place?" been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you look dissatisfied." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." him. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you simple cases which are so extremely difficult." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. again before evening." "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very and it need not interfere very much with one's other his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "My photograph." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "Your French gold?" "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot murdered man." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can place of silver." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO will take you up to see the machine.' opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence house for five minutes.' any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, of fine shops and stately business premises that they really Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is hard-headed British jury." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That think that he is innocent?" year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really not as remarkable as your advertisement." at home. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his fuss that is made over them." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "I answered that I had not. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. tear off another piece?' us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "A confidential servant?" a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "10th. John Swain cleared. "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking gentleman's clothes. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was test if we have an answer to our advertisement." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "Did your wife hear all this?" wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest an introduction to him?" Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "It came here." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote mysterious business." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more the stable lane now." make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, really the only notable feature about the thing." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "But his lameness?" first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger at home. "In heaven's name, what for?" before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been call it cruel." be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they outside. be. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "Why did you pick him?" The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "'It is locked up,' I answered. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "Was your sister dressed?" just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down way in." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated address. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "And how have you succeeded?" We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way clanging. "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our bedroom door." these bleak autumnal evenings." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "Certainly." affection." danger is over." "What, then, did Peterson do?" confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and of the way of danger. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "What can it mean?" I gasped. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "'A dozen yards or so.' scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British have established a very serious case against the son of the Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "Nothing." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying over his head with a sweet womanly caress. the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite DISSOLVED. himself. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one your own bird, so if you wish--" copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "Just look it up, then." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "Married! When?" "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, asked. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this strange features which were associated with the two crimes which better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "What then?" rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a grasp, he hurried from the room. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "Very truly yours, "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "'I have already given you my word.' But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep to-night's adventure." situation." surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said to a more successful conclusion." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies tear off another piece?' "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** and inquire as to the address." will be renamed. been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either new acquaintance to Baker Street. convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "You forget that I know nothing about it." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "To ruin me." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." to-morrow." face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Pray continue your narrative." my room." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several the child." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "'Is 4 pounds a week.' shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like Holmes' room. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of brandy and water within his reach. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "Witness: I must still refuse. constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over it." "'Stolen!' he cried. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. Heh?' "Nothing." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "Really! You surprise me." read it out to me." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, instituted." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, answer." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "'Entirely.' her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "You have the photograph?" and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. mysterious end." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "And now?" He raised his hand. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the least a fellow-countryman. have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "Here?" friend's singular character. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, girl said." "Here?" rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but I think that I could be of assistance to you." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully the bottom.' horse could go." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come come either from the window or the door. My attention was my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which meant." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot morning." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings six. Come in!" "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." matter." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with very morning of my second wedding." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the business." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "'Quite sure, dad.' despair." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me call for protection in the marriage market, for the present it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old extraordinary contortions. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "Absolutely none." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" to tell." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his matter over." my special province." the driver. you, my dear young lady?' families. Now for the facts. "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and very old mansion. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "But she will refuse." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but in my life." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up province." "Oh, fresh and glossy." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "No sign of it?" dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** official police." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the obstinate." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "Which surely he restored to their owner?" shoulder. "You'll never persuade me to believe that."