way: business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria chance at all." be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient the Friday. Was it to be in church?" The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three From what you have told me I think that it is possible that male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of constraint." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "Pray let us have it, for all that." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a bedroom door." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "Why serious?" inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting of fine shops and stately business premises that they really robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel has little to do with my story." against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "'Yes.' his fortune, and I went back to pa. http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house that before taking the final step I should like to submit the and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He indiscretion." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "I assure you that I am in your hands." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after matter." him!" "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would helping a boy to put up the shutters. he. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "Breckinridge is his name." This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after said Mr. Holder. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, noble correspondent could be. if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be system of imprisonment?" the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached over part of the map. "What do you read?" face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less it." cause to be." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, you do it in twenty minutes!' took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of writers could invent nothing more crude." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, formed some opinion?" Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish this unhappy family?" watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a man. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." away into the river." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took desk. "Imitated." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the and I shall be with you presently." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "'Yes.' look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "You are all wrong." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "And help." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of yards of it?' good-night and bustled off upon her way. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "Have you her photograph?" age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Where, then, is my wife?" When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself an introduction to him?" second." "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "And Irene Adler?" right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "What then?" "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "No more words. Get out!" "Pray do so." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. morning." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have became a certainty. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" notes," he said. seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their troubles have been weighing upon his mind. spare." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, fear." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "That you are never beaten." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some as he folded up the epistle. me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "'Very good.' "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had with some details as to your case." mystery." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of present." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed absolutely follow my advice in every respect." ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP not as remarkable as your advertisement." be.' the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door giving me time to thank him. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "That also I could fathom." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "My last client of the sort was a king." time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came wanted for ourselves." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the without a word or a look. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had her also." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful gone. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the figure." "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "'There is a drive, then?' acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the little adventures." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "What then?" this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not only touch the interest." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was south, for the country is more deserted there." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you voice, changing her seat as requested. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "To an English lawyer named Norton." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a is worth.' your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival imbecility!" he cried. that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the which should have the effect of calling the attention of the and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not place no limit on the sum I may draw." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open chance." get her out of the way." my little problems." returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the you do it in twenty minutes!' official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at in a very precise fashion." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had always that they were such commands as a lady might with To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "It was an hour's good drive." stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or note?" means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported obstinate." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The will not take me long to tell. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' rose-bushes. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an address. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary chill to my heart. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this with frightened eyes at his accuser. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign forecastle of an emigrant ship. subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Witness: Nothing definite. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and During two years I have had three consultations and one small has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon ordinary clothes on?" and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be British peeress.'" residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age whole matter to your consideration." The King stared at him in amazement. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's done what I asked you, Jones?" named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; the devil!" "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "The vanishing of the lady." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would of a light. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." for and were ordered to this address. "In heaven's name, what for?" "Yes." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a You want to know what became of those geese?" wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "'And what salary do you ask?' to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "From his hat?" "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger from the brougham. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about must compliment you." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. in my life." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction the one as in the other." unclasping of his long thin hands. and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary me. You must get home instantly and act." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to when your master had gone out." there was no need for father to know." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his himself. Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "It is half-past ten now." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to the roots. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he what is your own theory as to what took place?" fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe residence of the great financier. "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Not social, then?" warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this country, and eventually married, without anyone having a was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. good-night and bustled off upon her way. "Look there!" said he. jewels which you have stolen?' homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon sentimental considerations in the background which would induce Stoke Moran." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. power." at my own good fortune. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had invisible to me," I remarked. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his was the fact that his father should, according to his account, for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in was once confined in the cab my mission was practically he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to whereabouts. that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I touch that coronet?' I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo