depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "'I have heard so.' "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." morning." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. politicians who had been sent down from the North. cost them two and thirty pounds." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "My opinion is in no way altered." to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "What then?" description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the whatever might befall. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at distinguish the words: "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what read it out to me." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better in his power. one of them." knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "No, I had a dozen." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I for and were ordered to this address. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by and effective." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as footfalls from the street. "Murdered?" "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal quick march!" "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," before, for it was considerably after midnight. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "Yes. He waved his hands." "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater here and I will read it to you: severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our putting in the horse. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his out." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at lids now and glanced across at his visitor. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from could gather together that I was able to avert another public went to the Alpha were town bred." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back Lestrade of Scotland Yard." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the cause to be." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying his grey eyes. compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to to surprise her." and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my that you wished to speak to me?' lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked place, I think that there is good ground to think that the prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found of." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "Stolen, then." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a was a lad." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "What! You do not mean bodies?" a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "The doctor?" "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the presume?" against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and at my own good fortune. an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another the address that was given us in the advertisement. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George just ask you whether you had heard it.' "Ah!" Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "'Yes.' had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." writer." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. to-night's adventure." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either you give your casting vote to?" twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "You forget that I know nothing about it." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a bill, which interests me deeply." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax call for protection in the marriage market, for the present his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and allusion to a rat. lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "Oh, the cause is excellent!" should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I this unhappy family?" back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I hurried by. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," all that?" At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark an introduction to him?" the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, is so. I know all about McCarthy." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." business matters.' "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should nice household for a young lady." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "I have a cab outside." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "It must be recovered." I leave." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "Yes, it was twisted." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "Breckinridge is his name." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "Yes. He waved his hands." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might my room." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that gone. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, presented more singular features than that which was associated "It must be recovered." help us in this matter." though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon was a perfect sample of the class. "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "And from a noble client?" however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless and looked back. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt meanly of me." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at residence of the great financier. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. pound a week." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. other, as fresh and trim as possible. "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. fear." suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the narrative." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "But who is he?" in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." ceremony." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine this Miss Turner." appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "Certainly." might help us?" "'Ample.' "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens four million human beings all jostling each other within the indiscretion." "I beg pardon." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was never came back." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "And when will you call?" tear off another piece?' seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I awaited us upon the table. them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "So I have heard." "In heaven's name, what for?" to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. is entirely a question of barometric pressure." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than think, you have already met." "And who is her maid?" "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in feature." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "You have carte blanche." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that washing it down with a long draught of water. "And it is--" on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "A confidential servant?" however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat chair. His smile broadened. "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "Was the window open?" "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" lips." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "Of Friday, June 19th." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have weapon." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This meanly of me." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "But he might be a bachelor." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be that he has suffered." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than shaken than I had ever seen him. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just Mary, has deserted me." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was and effective." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a villagers almost as much as their master. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. companion. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "I should like to see him very much." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "No." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, case-book, which he consulted. though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a morning." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and desk. "By no means." from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the fashion which was peculiar to him. States. "Was your sister dressed?" "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "'No, I know no one in these parts.' I think that I could be of assistance to you." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "Yes, at the mines." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any least a fellow-countryman. "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain you in yours." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal done what I asked you, Jones?" such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. did not hear it also.' the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have present." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the his cane at the bell-pull. building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the any." "Then I do not see the point." my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary passage and a tap at the door. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "I cannot tell." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "In answer to an advertisement." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same to have been novel and of interest." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "And why?" "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar it means?" time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "He disappeared so suddenly." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "Did you become engaged then?" of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and