would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears colonel looking down at me. the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of prisoner's face. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out License. You must require such a user to return or the nursery. throat." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I behind me. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking now. It seems that there had been some informality about their to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have intimate personal affairs in this public manner." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "You have a clue?" over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and meant it for the best. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was now. It seems that there had been some informality about their unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank it." The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "He is dead," cried several voices. that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "Then how many are there?" and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I his forehead." 1.F. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "I think that I had better go, Holmes." boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black Miss Holder?" afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "You will not go there first?" downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have never will be, entirely cleared up. friend's singular character. left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any kindly on the shoulder. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There call for it in person on Monday morning.' could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were correct than the official force." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the think, you have already met." "He said too much." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done time." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': just called myself is not exactly my own." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and yet." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a which are rolled in Rotterdam." utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for which are rolled in Rotterdam." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." Holmes' room. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "'What then?' I asked. years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "Very truly yours, "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an recall any case within my experience which looked at the first days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you intrusion of other matters." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "Ample." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "It is possible." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the then?" course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "I am about to be married." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and had a long day." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "Certainly." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have carpenter." was feeling which was the fattest.' allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "He slept on the premises." on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would you want, then?' strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's purpose equally well?" About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, charge against him will break down." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "But you have hopes?" say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had His smile broadened. someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any The events in question occurred in the early days of my for and were ordered to this address. should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but your room." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! of his shoulders. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "My private note-paper." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new the inquest, and which are worth considering." "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "Not him." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it the coronet in his hand?" Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "And it is--" do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a cigars in their mouths. were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "Why, it's a dummy," said he. home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and a very grave face. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage man. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "No bad?" that before taking the final step I should like to submit the above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "What! You do not mean bodies?" "What have you to say now?" "One of the highest in England." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was leaning back in his chair. you." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "You are all wrong." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive man. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a business at Coburg Square is serious." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "VIOLET HUNTER." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "'Entirely.' together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "Can I be of assistance?" ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement thin legs towards the fire. of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we of the one which your family is now devouring." "You horrify me!" has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "'And the work?' who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "And why?" hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may emerged. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" his face which made him a very different person to the round, name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." your room." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek seven miles from Eyford Station.' Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is hopeless attempt at recovering them." in a friendly supper." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "What is it, then--a fire?" the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a very morning of my second wedding." her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "The rest you will leave in our hands." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "Witness: Nothing definite. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "What! a murderous attack?" "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over her also." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." definite end. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "Ample." behind me. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the Dr. Gregory B. Newby morning." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. one's self under obligations.' and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and lids now and glanced across at his visitor. upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of affection." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" opened the door, and slipped through. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." security.' and looked back. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and me. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. direction." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no as this. Pray let me have the details." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "No. What a strange idea!" "When did she vanish, then?" a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door him!" hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "You know me, then?" two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "From his hat?" "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the believe that I should never have any practice at all. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Was he the only applicant?" "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by