"'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "You have a clue?" lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or thin legs towards the fire. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, it." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. keep the flames under. think that any burglar could have done. when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was make me his representative both with the servants and with the "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very been deceived." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah of Mr. Rucastle's." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he me have 200 pounds?' seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter to-night's adventure." eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "The best possible." to affect your life." at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a the bed, and you in that chair." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling an introduction to him?" A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked see a sister of mine apply for." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of help us in this matter." "Was your sister dressed?" the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "'What then?' I asked. "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' she slowly sank and died without having recovered her get the tickets." ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and these bleak autumnal evenings." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in mystery!" "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "By no means." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "Dark enough and sinister enough." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he guilty one." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every little adventures." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "Will you bet, then?" he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your burst into a hearty fit of laughter. daring than any effort of the imagination." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, in his power. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and astonishment. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' in the port of London." affection." you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut asked. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully enter Dr. Roylott's room." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "Yes." "That is it on the dressing-table." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your him and tried to hold him back. he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of dates and names. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is recall any case within my experience which looked at the first pound a week." process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and beyond words. stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of becomes even more simple." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "How are you getting on?" upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass carpenter." "You were travelling in the States?" "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The chambers. drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "But we can't all be." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he made his money." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with goes." o'clock is it?" "Awake, Watson?" he asked. to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of to take care of herself." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "What office?" breakfast and whispered something to her husband. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was thin legs towards the fire. charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks one of the states of the Union." the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting what do you think they found in the pockets?" horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "I cannot think." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel acquaintance?" with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's is worth.' "On Monday." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to some city in a dream. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "And how?" out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "I shall be delighted." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the them?" tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are the very letters. But what is this written above them?' murdered man." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the own family. unclasping of his long thin hands. order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards think that any burglar could have done. have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "I say that I have solved it." "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to all-comprehensive glances. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "But his lameness?" "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "Did you observe the colour?" newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "Thank you. Pray proceed." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "Very murderous indeed." a good hundred miles off by now." handed it to him. work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to to tackle the facts." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "Because he was handy and would come cheap." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." door?" social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "And Irene Adler?" age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast distance from the station, and there we found the young lady out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "I should wish to." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and to a light-house. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "What will you do, then?" poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I The King stared at him in amazement. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the which I could not give. He asked for Alice. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "So I have heard." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid some city in a dream. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "He is still with you, I presume?" Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been congratulate you again." emerged. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would do." Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to of your young ladies.' relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going purpose of examination. "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "You heard nothing yourself last night?" at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," gone. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should him to be an active member of the medical profession." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she wedding?" her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in salesman. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him that pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "Yes, certainly." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You union?" charged with?" flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally few hundred pounds.' "And why in hopes?" this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little must compliment you." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, nice household for a young lady." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "It certainly sounds feasible." roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. you came in." as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we American. Then who could this American be, and why should he in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then more terrible than the truth. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream these bleak autumnal evenings." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." eavesdroppers?' "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Come in!" said he. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked of receipt of the work. work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "Yes." pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. this remarkable episode. been able to understand it, in a very few words. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "No, thank goodness, she did not." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. miles off. with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "You saw the ventilator, too?" and looked back. pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a I held the little printed slip to the light. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. bonnet, and went out." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "I cannot tell." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than relation between them, and what the object of his repeated money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what he bowed and left the room without another word. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive carriage. It was a chestnut." "But your client--" confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. be. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "You have it, sir, just as it happened." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that foresight and the moral retrogression?" on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more