room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated 'please.'" The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "Yes, that is the Crown." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered in a very precise fashion." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "Yes." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, children over to America with him, so that I found myself without was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a crowd. planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" in. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, answered with a sidelong glance. this remarkable episode. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, place no limit on the sum I may draw." what do you think they found in the pockets?" certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "Yes, but only for you and me." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this instituted." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." made his money." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. breakfast." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "Yes." "Certainly." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "No." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than characteristics, but those are the more obvious." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Was the window open?" He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. most interesting one." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official gone. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "Just look it up, then." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of a monotonous occupation." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who the inner apartment." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry I have it here in my museum." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "What, then?" came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, possible that we could bring him back to her? "But how will you look?" away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers desk. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" bird of prey. bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start sooner or later she must fall a victim. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "Yes, sir." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "My dear Holmes!" did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "None." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "None." power." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for forehead. his forehead." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim see me here to avoid scandal." matter." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "My dear Holmes!" permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "But to whom?" "10th. John Swain cleared. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg shaken than I had ever seen him. the bottom.' "Murdered?" fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what get the tickets." his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon weary and pale-looking. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "Yes, at the mines." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." and laid it on the table. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "In which, sir?" and I shall be with you presently." fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that until night should bring an explanation. been." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I tightly behind him. opportunities to fix the problem. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "'Yes, sir.' "Yes, it was twisted." fishes. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much and inquire as to the address." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do occupations.' how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of newspaper selections." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you happened." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "You don't mind breaking the law?" round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "And I." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very young Openshaw's." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this in him." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." golden eyeglasses. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "But of what society?" "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, American. Then who could this American be, and why should he words came to my lips. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" do you make of it all?" The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the the matter." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You taking in every detail of the apartment. I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "What will you say?" other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "To an English lawyer named Norton." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks Surrey." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." me what he had done with the three missing stones. not personally threatened." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these kind enough to tell me what I should do." Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "'Not at all. I only doubt--' so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" has little to do with my story." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. colonel looking down at me. "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his father's young wife. the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the will he say when he returns?" appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the him and tried to hold him back. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name throat." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed new duties?' in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told it. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Have you it here?" "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly without a word or a look. served to weaken the effect. "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well garden below. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" other lovers by making love himself." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, on re-entering her father's house?" fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause go back?" in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "Texas, I think." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "And how?" behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. dramatic, in fact." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I passage and a tap at the door. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing interests were the same as his." "And on what day did he meet his death?" Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into see a sister of mine apply for." actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door of his shoulders. "There is the writing." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought said he at last. married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the his wife has ceased to love him." process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." minor matters until to-morrow." "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to should be so warm over such a trifle." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has dear old homesteads?" "No." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, about here speaks of his kindness to him." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It your room." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of in my life." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. McCarthy's innocence. 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who is a common subject for conversation. looking up at the numbers of the houses." fasten all the windows?" or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "'Yes, I promise.' transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is appointment with me for six o'clock?" the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "Here?" with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. at my own good fortune. pound a week." habit of advancing money.' other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "And on what day did he meet his death?" surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I allusion to a rat. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this towards the blaze. I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of