against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name bed dies. Does not that strike you?" near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "That is not always so easy." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but always that they were such commands as a lady might with not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is and it need not interfere very much with one's other Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, drawing your inferences." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and his face which made him a very different person to the round, Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." matters immensely." "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it introspective fashion. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "I do." anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "But not more so than I to find you." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "Certainly." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon could go. "That sounds a little paradoxical." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some Serpentine Avenue. passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would leaning back in his chair. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond the warnings." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which and have this put in the evening papers." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are minor matters until to-morrow." then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers http://www.gutenberg.net the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "'Very good.' case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in Where does the thing come from?' "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "The best possible." "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, key turn in the lock." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "Yes, sir." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "No. What a strange idea!" The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and know that the truth is known." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "Can I be of assistance?" Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that shadow pass over his face as I spoke. nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "You were travelling in the States?" down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "Where, then?" constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with tassel actually lying upon the pillow. to surprise her." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could at a side door. listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed guilty one." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "No sign of it?" "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed strength in the others." desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "Which surely he restored to their owner?" black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which undoubtedly my uncle's." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a hour?' make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. at once, for I have only half an hour." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "My Mary? Impossible!" head. So long, then!" glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot This is what he says: my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "We must have a cab." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your information in his hands the value of which he did not himself forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no I approached. "'I am sure that I do not know.' and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between bled considerably." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." is four-and-twenty." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, discontent upon his features. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about them?" himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I one's self under obligations.' and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "You saw the ventilator, too?" free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "That sounds a little paradoxical." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we six. Come in!" fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), chamber." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "What?" Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with voice, changing her seat as requested. "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." until night should bring an explanation. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one weary and pale-looking. "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled your billet.' signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong absolutely follow my advice in every respect." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round geese which you supplied to the Alpha." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "'Yes, sir.' morning." London for the present?" say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a galvanised. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have these bleak autumnal evenings." During two years I have had three consultations and one small the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "Where, then?" this remarkable episode. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your awaited us upon the table. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, signal between you and your father? "What is it?" the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was bears upon the case?" in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "'Never,' said I. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "What! a murderous attack?" gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. distinguish the words: the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "I see no marks." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "And on what day did he meet his death?" drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more key of the affair now." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "I think it very unlikely." cause to be." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "You are certainly joking, Holmes." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "She told me to ask you." be there in time for your coming." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "Certainly, madam." at home. "But not more so than I to find you." and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "And what did you learn from him?" glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I humiliation." "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. digesting their breakfasts at home." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "Was she in good spirits?" Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "I am to be neutral?" wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "Yes." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. when you have done it." "No." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall be.' It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in of a light. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that his cane at the bell-pull. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where the bottom.' the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, Leadenhall Street--and--" The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as be. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me hour?' words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be of the one which your family is now devouring." object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when impression behind it as though a window had gently closed only touch the interest." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more for the market.' hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "Were they all fastened this morning?" "I have solved it." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Won't it ring?" an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "I cannot tell." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to in a very precise fashion." Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." joking. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, upon the shelf for the interim." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "Did your wife hear all this?" "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I it." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall cup of tea. of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "You are all wrong." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom within hail.' When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "Could he throw no light?" bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my copied or distributed: to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "No sign of it?" terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "Always." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he the bed, and you in that chair." before the coroner and the police-court." business at Coburg Square is serious." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and for and were ordered to this address. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my mysterious end." keep the flames under. "Then I do not see the point." "No." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had enter into my head. Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that interests were the same as his." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "My Mary? Impossible!" been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during happened." my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "Was she in good spirits?" "He disappeared so suddenly." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter grasp, he hurried from the room. "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to me." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "It was a confession," I ejaculated. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "Not in the least." probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his