"You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet to a light-house. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that them, and came down just as you departed. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately visitors." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague giving me time to thank him. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle arms and began to sob in a high treble key. of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were direction." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to delirious. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "The murder was done with it." "At the wedding breakfast." people in all walks of life. seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a to tackle the facts." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton have one." I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was the little opening for the ventilator is." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and our word." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery nice household for a young lady." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be see me here to avoid scandal." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I bare slabs of marble. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on views." as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "You think that he is dead?" kind enough to tell me what I should do." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "Did your wife hear all this?" "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "'What would be the hours?' I asked. me." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is meant it for the best. closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "To an end?" you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul Pool. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the any more." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would the roots. "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "Not in the least." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "No, distinctly professional." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate the station." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could did not hear it also.' "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper I held the little printed slip to the light. where Mr. Fordham shows you.' that as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He affair. soul! here is her carriage at the door." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and infinite languor in his face. lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "I cannot imagine." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow characteristics, but those are the more obvious." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client answer." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "I have solved it." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from photograph?" way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been roused himself from his reverie. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a Cross for the Continent." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "What steps will you take?" I asked. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant was keenly on my guard against him. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "Absolutely none." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "What! Had he lost his wife?" puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "I promise," said Holmes. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "A greater distance to travel." "Witness: Nothing definite. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. the nursery. Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless chance at all." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "Can I be of assistance?" It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of lamp in his hand. be. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Yes, they were peculiar boots." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations asked. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and hardly wander." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." detained." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "How did he come?" About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, are, and they are waiting for us." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom eavesdroppers?' "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence more terrible than the truth. hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at felt the room to be a little close.' "Who was the criminal, then?" assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "To an end?" to Leatherhead. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "Which are?" "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them troubles have been weighing upon his mind. upon the sideboard." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round fashion which was peculiar to him. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer used to be." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might lamp. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can I nodded again. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." tapping his fingers upon the table. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "What is it?" dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to purpose of examination. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, individual and becomes the badge of a society." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "The decline of his fortunes, then?" ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary friends, not even his own brother. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family has little to do with my story." parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "No, I had a dozen." "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was status with the IRS. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "She showed me, as I told you she would." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. are, and they are waiting for us." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards taking in every detail of the apartment. "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." http://www.gutenberg.net them?" "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "To an end?" insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the II. "Yes, all." perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand man. I know him from the photograph." voice, changing her seat as requested. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to upon the sideboard." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "I am in hopes that she does." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, obstinate." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "Precisely." the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The his wife has ceased to love him." could go. noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must joking. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "My last client of the sort was a king." even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "Will you bet, then?" "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. said he, "my real name is James Ryder." danger is over." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, intimate personal affairs in this public manner." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, some place of shelter and let the county police know what has is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the bedroom door." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him you?' "Pray tell us what has happened to you." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has shoulder. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she and glanced through. "And now?" I asked. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "And it is--" own family. "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life and the whole place is in a blaze." ways including including checks, online payments and credit card the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall my special province." the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his intrusion of other matters." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I have an American origin." forehead. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of opened a pocket-book and took out a note. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in quite distinctive." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon nice household for a young lady." word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and to a light-house. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "Where did he live, then?" a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is despaired of." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "But how did you gain them?" tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "Well, but China?" "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I