reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his you." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down society." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight appeared upon the scene." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had business at Coburg Square is serious." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "What steps will you take?" I asked. "And I say east," said my patient. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent The note was undated, and without either signature or address. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "Yes, sir." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that next day. "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "But how could you guess what the motive was?" towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "Pray do so." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "Pray tell us what has happened to you." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." hands. to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "No." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "And how have you succeeded?" state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to place, I think that there is good ground to think that the the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "Nothing?" cost them two and thirty pounds." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "I have come for advice." happened." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an colour had been driven from his face. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. joking. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "It was an hour's good drive." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' there were so many in the whole country as were brought together lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "And why?" following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "And for present expenses?" think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "Not in a good cause." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "Not particularly." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "What steps will you take?" I asked. there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, and the whole place is in a blaze." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding friends, not even his own brother. "That is unusual in a young girl." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may him and tried to hold him back. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned reach." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, stalked out of the room. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who spark where all is dark to me." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His front of the hall door has given its name to the place. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be cause to be." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If never came back." "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may away to you." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "I assure you that I am in your hands." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him call for it in person on Monday morning.' interests were the same as his." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "By no means." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is notes," he said. thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not assist you in forming an opinion." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key was not a bird to be seen there. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "Where, indeed?" "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look them?" way in everything. Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "He is still with you, I presume?" but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque http://gutenberg.net/license). cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but pound a week." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "You horrify me." find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "I should wish to." "Of Friday, June 19th." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "You are hungry," I remarked. explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, your only hope of safety." roused himself from his reverie. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "What of the rat, then?" I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a even of instruction." mystery." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "No, thank goodness, she did not." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough read over the extraordinary announcement. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in have one." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against entirely lost his self-respect." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, digesting their breakfasts at home." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his think you a quite exceptional woman." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you next day. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "Why did you pick him?" appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was only touch the interest." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose introspective fashion. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at Doctor, of the paper and the date." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a fashion which was peculiar to him. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Very. But will he see it?" that companion. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "I cannot say that I have." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks you came in." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." Holmes." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the and inquire as to the address." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would During two years I have had three consultations and one small "And why?" isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "'Certainly not.' at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be points in connection with it which never have been, and probably customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "How often?" "I am to be neutral?" room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "Married! When?" and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and ready to-morrow?' it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away morning." papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "But we can't all be." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you roused himself from his reverie. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough death." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Then the page we have seen--" a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "Always." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Yes." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk the best of training." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "I have solved it." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "Was she in good spirits?" and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had Eyford at 11:15.' be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general that you can jump it.' lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of bird of prey. he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought said I. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "Where to?" "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, acquaintance?" "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to I shall continue with my miserable story. bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I place of silver." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us carpenter." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "The rest you will leave in our hands." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would mysterious business." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." already been minutely examined." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew empty. particular state visit http://pglaf.org