chamber." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate noble correspondent could be. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which woman." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" a suggestive one." "That was it, sir." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from lectures into a series of tales." "He is still with you, I presume?" glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of crackling voice. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like when you have done it." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven our word." bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." get the tickets." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time had a long day." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "Perfectly so." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "What then?" states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had awaited us upon the table. upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Why? What do you mean?" door?" "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources someone who had been in Australia." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a His smile broadened. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be future lives." "Dirty?" Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten in my life." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the help us in this matter." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "On your arm?" cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, prove to be little relation between the different incidents of towards the blaze. face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "And why?" morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "And why?" "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "No. What a strange idea!" pierced for earrings?" enter into my head. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "But you were on a friendly footing?" "I have seen the police." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a one of them." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, evidence," I remarked. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no which I could not give. He asked for Alice. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "What office?" of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "No, distinctly professional." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I shall use the carriage to-night." started for the Temple to see my husband. "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." one's self under obligations.' carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." respectable self." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little Holmes' thin, eager face. advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is goes." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. disturbance in my wife." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "And how?" "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from them, and came down just as you departed. the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite suspect him." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "No more words. Get out!" marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt of this gang." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "Imitated." to you." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were call the police, let the police find what they can.' edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat roused himself from his reverie. sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he views." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "In heaven's name, what for?" if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called union?" "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very call for protection in the marriage market, for the present than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if address. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the read over the extraordinary announcement. "What then?" "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately your room." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal imbecility!" he cried. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my both be extremely obliged.' "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending call you and give you the chance." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "Yes." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "And how did you verify them?" her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "No sign of it?" sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." had this final quarrel? round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things voice. and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "But she will refuse." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps the nursery. "What have you to say now?" married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it once more. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "Tired-looking or fresh?" feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin door?" village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "Oh, the cause is excellent!" violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "By no means." "I will get her to show me." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "It came here." entirely lost his self-respect." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were where we are going." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "Nothing." ashen face. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an here." "He is dead," cried several voices. doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "Then the page we have seen--" of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "And what did you see?" set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 standing smiling on the door-step. "Stolen." villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "And Miss Sutherland?" together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, said he. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. breakfast?" to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "And sit in the dark?" should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "'And the work?' cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." my little problems." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "Ample." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own there has been an enclosure here!" "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon situation." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this once more for Briony Lodge. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he again before evening." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "Not I." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, The note was undated, and without either signature or address. were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a exactly what you advise." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." stalked out of the room. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some chemical work which was so dear to him. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" it." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their key turn in the lock." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, one which it was hard to resist. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and I shall continue with my miserable story. outside. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "We have tried and failed." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "You have it, sir, just as it happened." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, opened a pocket-book and took out a note. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand the devil!" planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. indiscretion." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she plantation.' "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. and it need not interfere very much with one's other by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried some terrible trap for her." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT Eyford at 11:15.' "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend definite end. one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to http://gutenberg.net/license). his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "Yes." at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll Leadenhall Street--and--" of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of his wife has ceased to love him." "I am following you closely," I answered. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as if only as a check to my own memory." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from later, upon the night of May 2nd." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, it." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was