The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "'Oh, no.' and your relations to her." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any him!" "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "Ah, but I was recommended to you." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "To ruin me." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still ago." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. leaning back in his chair. impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel bird of prey. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was was used.' also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "An enemy?" the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, from you?" within hail.' emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." indiscretion." fattened it expressly for you.' you came in." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Awake, Watson?" he asked. state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were It may be so in this case, also." the night.' dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and whereabouts. platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed with her." Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. out of this horrible affair." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "But who is he?" through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to and the whole place is in a blaze." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "But we can't all be." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he felt?" that I can to serve you." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "But how did you gain them?" away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of to go into your room and bar your shutters?" at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "Certainly." you do it in twenty minutes!' education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to said he. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and The King stared at him in amazement. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation corner of the building. individual and becomes the badge of a society." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "Not him." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "There is the writing." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "He is still with you, I presume?" has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was could not have written that. It is the German who is so these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining to miss it." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some Dr. Gregory B. Newby of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see of Mr. Rucastle's." "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the ourselves in the office." it with his own hands." in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and I took the paper from him and read as follows: "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "What do you mean?" editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" any more." armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "'And what are they worth?' I asked. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "He slept on the premises." husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "'And what are they worth?' I asked. and a shock of very red hair. a suggestive one." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "Did he not advertise?" Again Holmes raved in the air. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "What then?" name is different." "Yesterday." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "And from a noble client?" for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "No more words. Get out!" can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the me what he had done with the three missing stones. have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "'Most admirably.' "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small the warnings." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, London for the present?" backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "And your mother is alive?" bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On three fields round his house, and there he would take his were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, to arrive at through this?" hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take delighted to hear it," he said. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think intimate personal affairs in this public manner." get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "'Never.' and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I friend's singular character. "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was had this final quarrel? came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life foot. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my the date of his supposed suicide." before, for it was considerably after midnight. "Then he might have called to you?" the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your it with his own hands." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with of his shoulders. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "And your father? Did you tell him?" The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. quick march!" If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" you found me to-night--and running through the front room she something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "Pray let us have it, for all that." quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was unkempt, staring out at me. "You heard nothing yourself last night?" Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," to Leatherhead. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "'A dozen yards or so.' I approached. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began woven round him. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "But you can know nothing of this?" for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was she used." Clair, of Lee." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the place, I think that there is good ground to think that the threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, back to my heart. delirious. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "The Coroner: What do you mean? following enigmatical notices: no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as conclusions. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out she has been waylaid. There has been no result." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after considering the formidable letters which were received by himself maid will bring up your coffee." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "Your sister is dead, then?" "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "Then you may entirely rely on me." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to to a light-house. weapon." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which Holmes." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "You think that he is dead?" someone who had been in Australia." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and several quiet little villages up there." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any been with you?" a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who shall use the carriage to-night." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end digesting their breakfasts at home." Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" the child." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "'Entirely.' VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without address. pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "Very well, sir. And this stone?" that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps own family. Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "I will do it." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question furiously. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my affair. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "Imitated." you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "That is unusual in a young girl." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is for the market.' merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her he. "Witness: Nothing definite. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "Ten will be early enough." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, in the dead of the night?' the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "Do you go out much in society?" "I was mad--insane." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be learned something! Where are the gems?" whatever might befall. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "Do you know him?" All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." who was a member of your goose club." that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son woman who has had her own way to make in the world. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "A greater distance to travel." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "Her father is very rich?" helping a boy to put up the shutters. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "My geese!" The man seemed surprised.