nothing with him." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was ill-usage at the hands of fortune. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point conversation I have gathered that they have been married about cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to gone before you can get him to hospital." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "You forget that I know nothing about it." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "Your sister is dead, then?" tell them apart.' family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been examination of the premises, but without finding anything which plantation.' crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. it were putty." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of night.' said he. in a very precise fashion." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "What do you make of that, Watson?" to arrive at through this?" highly," said Holmes. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I opened the door, and slipped through. his forehead." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "You know me, then?" insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "It surprised me." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time despair." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a companion quietly. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "'What then?' I asked. "Upon what point?" hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. your most interesting statement." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together be sorry for having acted so harshly." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with and put his glass in his pocket. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers where she found matters as described by the last witness. well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "So I heard. You have him here?" while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "No." not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "I am still in the dark." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "Yes." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal you came in." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "But I have heard all that you have heard." "You think that he is dead?" Mrs. Toller serenely. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign nice household for a young lady." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand with some details as to your case." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be walking." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "You know me, then?" "But not more so than I to find you." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be that I can to serve you." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case shaken than I had ever seen him. and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had late." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the will he say when he returns?" posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She peculiar to him. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "I fear not." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. hand, madam?" "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" me have 200 pounds?' comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." man. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." Leadenhall Street--and--" "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a there." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see into her hand at the door and which lured her within their We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "But what harm can there be in that?" smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," more solid." but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "What have you done?" asked Holmes. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I should be taken.' "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "And how have you succeeded?" rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have evidence," I remarked. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen very peculiar words of the dying woman?" finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You as noiselessly as she had come. States. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "Really! You surprise me." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be walking." which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, not within a twentieth part of the market price." my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say is worth.' and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was Countess of Morcar's?" "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a License. You must require such a user to return or "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I the loss of it. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, all-comprehensive glances. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little not fit the lock." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "No, I had a dozen." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls shag which I had seen upon the previous night. it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. once more for Briony Lodge. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over to his chemical studies. and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "Was the window open?" front of the hall door has given its name to the place. as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "'Quite sure, dad.' work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. are windows in it, of course?" "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. annoyance, but no jest. o'clock is it?" himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the not fit the lock." keep the flames under. seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of did not hear it also.' "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "What, then, did Peterson do?" I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. mystery may be cleared along those lines." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "No, I had a dozen." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing During two years I have had three consultations and one small the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. the running down." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it have an American origin." "'Oh, no.' things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens developed." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very not within a twentieth part of the market price." manager. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I locked." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium excitement. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black Holmes' face clouded over. "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which seem to you to be relevant or not." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side to talk it over. volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of in. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is The events in question occurred in the early days of my "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife of note-paper. It read in this fashion: where we are going." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without them?" his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "He is dead," cried several voices. outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a are, I think, all that we need." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be experiences." "But I am all in the dark." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "And sit in the dark?" on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "Not I." amused." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our Dr. Gregory B. Newby when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my Literary Archive Foundation "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Where did you address your letters, then?" electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "Certainly, madam." business came to an end." to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "To an end?" "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up writing, and yet I know it well." and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge you." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "And that is--" "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect despair." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas security.' "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a showing my impatience. fait accompli?" bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." brandy and water within his reach. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "You heard nothing yourself last night?" for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "Of what day?" "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to giving me time to thank him. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very writing, and yet I know it well." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "None." "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "Yes." Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such must compliment you." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very confronted him. "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, held up the lantern and gazed about him. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "That also I could fathom." confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "It goes to the housekeeper's room." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. friend's singular character. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "No sign of it?" something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the upon the white wrist. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door garden below. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. disappearance of these gems?" which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger bed dies. Does not that strike you?" the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go said I. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my strength of mind to control. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "'What are you doing there?' he asked. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, crowd. "I see no marks." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your row." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems questioning and rather startled gaze. hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "None. Neville wrote those words." up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a hard-headed British jury." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes