then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, is worth.' standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices spare." "I promise," said Holmes. character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "That you are never beaten." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm bedroom door." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to them?" other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a happened." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." on in his house." by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "What is it, then--a fire?" "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers views." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "Yes, the wine-cellar." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "Witness: It was. "A confidential servant?" however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "And who is her maid?" "An enemy?" since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a status with the IRS. "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local astonishment. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "My own seal." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall IS "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your may have an influence upon European history." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in could not have written that. It is the German who is so "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now anything to a woman, for she would have her way." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a power." light and attacked it." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "How did you trace it, then?" furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband mysterious end." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home and your relations to her." entirely devoid of interest." then?" hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, The King stared at him in amazement. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, several quiet little villages up there." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand you." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Come in!" said he. "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, my secret was safe in his possession. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than this poor creature." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this better in every way that they should make their position a little lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of what do you think they found in the pockets?" there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "Thank you. And your address?" Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "Oh, fresh and glossy." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking said he at last. 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem generous with you in money matters.' corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "I cannot tell." again on its way. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling awkward doing business with an alias." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of he. butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he Foundation know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "Was there a secret marriage?" "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. them?" yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before stood on the top of it. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were this remarkable episode. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with second window is the one that I jumped from." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," it with his own hands." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the absorbing." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding that once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable better grown goose." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If better grown goose." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "That sounds a little paradoxical." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the to miss it." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have again." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the The King stared at him in amazement. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "What is it, then--a fire?" home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" Countess of Morcar's?" "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "Only as much as we can deduce." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "But you have hopes?" them, and came down just as you departed. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings main points of my analysis." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who do you make of it all?" coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." get the tickets." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I carpenter." "Look there!" said he. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally recall any case within my experience which looked at the first deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the at my own good fortune. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "Yes, it was twisted." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the present." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from allusion to a rat. in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Not in a good cause." "Can I be of assistance?" to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late completely overtopped every other consideration that we both chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "It must be recovered." located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of affair. room. unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "No, distinctly professional." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its particular state visit http://pglaf.org chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been the Assizes." "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' society." at once, for I have only half an hour." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and against a man in the prime of life?" terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I My friend smiled. examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of as he remarks, very much against the son." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of bird of prey. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "We must have a cab." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "9th. McCauley cleared. weighed down with some great anxiety. until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that is entirely a question of barometric pressure." still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Indeed! Whose, then?" moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it corner of the building. little trying to do so much typewriting?" is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark examination of the premises, but without finding anything which Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is woman." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "You did not overhear what they said?" the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, fluttered off among the others. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had to some other building. "But he might be a bachelor." "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the directly by questioning you." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a ready to-morrow?' "Proceed, then." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "Not in the least." "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having to you." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "No more words. Get out!" dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "Why, it's a dummy," said he. already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now friend's singular character. had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. them present such singular features as the strange train of "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning nice household for a young lady." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his business." "Stoke Moran?" said he. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "Proceed, then." head. So long, then!" could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room telegram would bring me down to your help." "In heaven's name, what for?" Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or remarked. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Whose house is it?" But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is