giving me time to thank him. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind interests were the same as his." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "But how did you gain them?" could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "In which, sir?" LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings words came to my lips. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "Stolen, then." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I strode off upon his way. no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a shoulder; "he's all right." music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes exactly what you advise." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the we went to search for him, face downward in a little me, and I could not think that his explanation of the say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in I approached. I shall continue with my miserable story. "'Where could I find him?' "By train from Waterloo." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may of the way of danger. own family. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, sofa. This way, please!" walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable was not a bird to be seen there. "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked ventilator." "What will you say?" purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "That is unusual in a young girl." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been flock.' The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, were wasted." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "Quite so. She has her freedom." question," said Holmes, smiling. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "'I have already given you my word.' "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." there was no need for father to know." what these perils are?" "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "And sit in the dark?" asked. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "'Quite sure, dad.' "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "'I am sure if I had known--' my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "A greater distance to travel." here." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me of the one which your family is now devouring." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on you." already been minutely examined." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in was used.' give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For people don't know." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while desk. large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "No. His orders were to stay in the house." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these retorted upon me, and I on you." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, to take care of herself." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, that?' "'I have already given you my word.' disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my in darkness. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, taking in every detail of the apartment. tapping his fingers upon the table. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "'Not at all. I only doubt--' morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe man. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud if she died from some sudden fright." face and glided from the room. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the inquest, and which are worth considering." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "'Is purely nominal.' table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a him, that man would not have given me such complete information This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman anything to do with the matter?" reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low been shamefully used." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "Yes, I have one waiting." village inn over there?" them?" Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she to change my dress. "And what did you learn from him?" "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." your Highness to the police-station?" implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "That is also quite modern," said the lady. spark where all is dark to me." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we you want, then?' and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a chance." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "Then what has happened to him?" twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? is," said he presently: my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept Again Holmes raved in the air. Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been depend upon your compliance." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an public press." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "Where is it, then?" "If so, much may have happened between." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been down. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "'There is a drive, then?' dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my particular state visit http://pglaf.org outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened gigantic client. "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided had died away into the silence from which it rose. "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in problems help me to do so." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, tension within him. "Oh, fresh and glossy." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the meanly of me." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated place of silver." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. swore that no one else had been in the front room during the scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Yes, it would be as well." The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "He disappeared so suddenly." you." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been during the last few years, and there are many noble families to maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my to have that photograph." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue Doctor, of the paper and the date." "'Is purely nominal.' stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "VIOLET HUNTER." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the been deceived." "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a useful material for showing traces. The double line a little to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the Leadenhall Street--and--" given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "I never have." taking in every detail of the apartment. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away little trying to do so much typewriting?" pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because strong reason behind." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I in this note: everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and 'please.'" should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and whole matter to your consideration." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it papers." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "But his lameness?" upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official head. So long, then!" old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the Young McCarthy must be got off, however." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "'A dozen yards or so.' that its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place seem to you to be relevant or not." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "No. His orders were to stay in the house." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "Is he quiet?" Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have opened the door, and slipped through. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "That is possible." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "What then?" American. Then who could this American be, and why should he derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom before the coroner and the police-court." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "None. Neville wrote those words." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE dear old homesteads?" upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some narrative." with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "No legal papers or certificates?" bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a the south-west, I see." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions own family. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter experiences." the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we Eyford." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George Lestrade of Scotland Yard." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "An enemy?" her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "BALLARAT." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many pictures, libraries, or plate. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black people in all walks of life. demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her entirely lost his self-respect." prepare for the new role I have to play." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "No." you." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "He said that you could solve anything." in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had shaken than I had ever seen him. doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "A client, then?" room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the means taking possession of that which another person has a prior broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking think that he is innocent?" faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "An accident, I presume?" "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "I warn you that they are very incomplete." was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened is four-and-twenty." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag and a shock of very red hair. square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether this remarkable episode. other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "That sounds a little paradoxical." drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "Will you bet, then?" "It is very clear." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own such attractions and accomplishments?' little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Why did you beat the pavement?" white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not been lifted and conveyed somewhere." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "Certainly." imbecility!" he cried. from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Perfectly so." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "Tired-looking or fresh?" and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman know all about it," he snarled. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled hair?' "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to cigars in their mouths. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "One of his hands." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so at a side door. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park.