all-comprehensive glances. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the intimate personal affairs in this public manner." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there all?" Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might washing it down with a long draught of water. crackling voice. "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is child?' it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I second." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "It is very clear." "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass fact, we may call it conclusive." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "Come in!" said Holmes. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful ashen face. "This photograph!" Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "No, my brougham is waiting." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of learned something! Where are the gems?" doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal information in his hands the value of which he did not himself swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "Perfectly so." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her so far?" twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I chance." even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven ways of our fellow-men." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our once more for Briony Lodge. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, observed. lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "But his lameness?" present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a the coronet in his hand?" could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study derbies." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "I am to be neutral?" "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "'How far from the body?' my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman before, for it was considerably after midnight. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "Then I am your man." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "You did not overhear what they said?" relief. his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and pressing in one house as in another. with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the the bottom.' me upon any point which I do not make clear." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Very. But will he see it?" "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "But he might be a bachelor." perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly throat." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little crackling voice. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it that threaten you." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit that I can to serve you." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the think that any burglar could have done. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. fishes. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "You have carte blanche." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "Yes." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until should be so warm over such a trifle." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "What!" he roared. were new raised from a basin. details." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The at a side door. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it all-comprehensive glances. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely allusion to a rat. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "Do you know him?" out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "And is that all?" "'A dozen yards or so.' product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our them present such singular features as the strange train of out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "But who is he?" public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "I would give my fortune to have them back." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "I shall be delighted." that pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and indiscretion." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every putting in the horse. bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we three of the beryls in it, was missing. "Then I can wait in the next room." the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to address. wedding?" o'clock is it?" "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "But not more so than I to find you." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "I know where it is." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was main points of my analysis." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at of the efforts of the United States government and of the better Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "You horrify me!" with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while this man was intellectual?" while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange gigantic client. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the Holmes' room. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to Eyford at 11:15.' about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently do you make of it all?" to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then spark where all is dark to me." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same reach." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in once more on the important position which you have been fortunate bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then said he, "my real name is James Ryder." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened at my remark. in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "My opinion is in no way altered." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "And it is--" ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "Who by?" of a light. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For a suggestive one." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, asked. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful me upon any point which I do not make clear." "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "I do." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "Pray be precise as to details," said he. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of golden eyeglasses. "Very murderous indeed." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those Mrs. Toller serenely. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you voice. star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. business at Coburg Square is serious." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found brain must have something in it." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain absolutely follow my advice in every respect." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my were wasted." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a burst into a hearty fit of laughter. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it me what he had done with the three missing stones. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "In which, sir?" work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no could not account in any way for the presence of the missing 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a morning." papers must be those that are destroyed.' was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge lips." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked as he remarks, very much against the son." answered with a sidelong glance. to-night's adventure." "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "You think so, too?" with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving undoubtedly my uncle's." steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and house for five minutes.' utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." been." "What can it mean?" I gasped. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had ceremony." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with impression behind it as though a window had gently closed customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having brain must have something in it." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "And help." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had ceremony." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the been with you?" the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold very old mansion. "What will you do, then?" eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort bird of prey. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The the nursery. focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" that the gas is not laid on in his house?" any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "'Yes, sir.' nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! foot. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "But you can know nothing of this?" prisoner's face. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. with frightened eyes at his accuser. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up Cross for the Continent." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your kindly on the shoulder. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently without success. At last the little money which I had saved began coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." strong reason behind." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be closely." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "It is solved." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, leaning back in his chair. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little is entirely a question of barometric pressure." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. any more." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "We were both in the photograph." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred 'I should be able to look after that for you.' Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "But of what society?" the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the