I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate habit of advancing money.' If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside all?" as this. Pray let me have the details." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "Certainly." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "Not yet." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "It missed him, then?" that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' which was all perfectly true. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "That you are never beaten." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "Yes." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and outsides of the windows. prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now said I. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest stalked out of the room. she to prove their authenticity?" "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I hand, madam?" and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "'Yes, I promise.' "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An and your relations to her." in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "Dirty?" been." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence it? Did I buy the geese off you?" warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a one of the states of the Union." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks during that time.' the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round people don't know." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, chamber." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." Cross for the Continent." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see as noiselessly as she had come. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary me have 200 pounds?' know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I prepare for the new role I have to play." man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her and put his glass in his pocket. my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "What are they?" "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond outsides of the windows. lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man everything which you would wish to know." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest Cross for the Continent." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up unprofitable." "And how did he make his money?" ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported friends, not even his own brother. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning 11:15.' be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "The gentleman I describe." Arthur Conan Doyle "Proceed, then." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "Only as much as we can deduce." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here look dissatisfied." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "And sit in the dark?" "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every been." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it do.' "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." seem to you to be relevant or not." How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than companion quietly. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The never will be, entirely cleared up. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "How about poison?" autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "I see no marks." Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no point in the dark hollow of his hand. a very grave face. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "You will not go there first?" if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and woman who has had her own way to make in the world. vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "They are typewritten," I remarked. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my where she found matters as described by the last witness. Eyford at 11:15.' house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down written. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a stood on the top of it. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save Cross for the Continent." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "Oh, yes, easily." "Yes, only one." and a shock of very red hair. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." the side-table." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go vault. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "But you have hopes?" very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "And you can do nothing until then?" adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg in your London, you will know that the office of the company is There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by in your London, you will know that the office of the company is my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson a very grave face. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow Have you good authority for what you say?" Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who are, I think, all that we need." fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the noble correspondent could be. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "Nothing." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "'Oh, no.' "Well, but China?" pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, them?" brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been now. It seems that there had been some informality about their breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to are, I think, all that we need." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "No. His orders were to stay in the house." crime. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to read over the extraordinary announcement. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at case before our client came into the room." crime." "'Yes, I promise.' which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "One of the highest in England." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be head. So long, then!" him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "In the cells." whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began shall use the carriage to-night." "Her father is very rich?" on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a lids now and glanced across at his visitor. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with events than those which have happened in my own family." grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and the matter." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself if she died from some sudden fright." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, did not hear it also.' asked with his eyes open. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" beyond words. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "'Entirely.' "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, undoubtedly my uncle's." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the forecastle of an emigrant ship. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had promised to bring home. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I of this gang." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save intrusion of other matters." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." do.' said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. walking." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "That is easily got." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "The King of Scandinavia." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the I shall communicate with you." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was he bowed and left the room without another word. "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could you." investigation." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "When did she vanish, then?" estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "But we can't all be." room. The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather locked. of his shoulders. very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed minor matters until to-morrow." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." had formerly been in part my own. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "'Yes, I promise.' discontent upon his features. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "Can I be of assistance?" "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped not personally threatened." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent important." cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, photograph a cabinet?" our word." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "What?" "Yes." ventilator." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered of a light. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "This concluded the examination of the witness." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "And the murderer?" round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "I am armed." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking presume?" hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, should be taken.' opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "And you thought he was pulled back?" man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the followed. to miss it." "That also I could fathom." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." in his power. "It surprised me." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "I have seen the police." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "'And the work?' that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project