perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "'There is a drive, then?' and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had gentleman's clothes. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and good-night and bustled off upon her way. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own You want to know what became of those geese?" what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his results." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful respectable self." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the interests were the same as his." present." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "What I expected to see." until night should bring an explanation. photograph?" When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with few hundred pounds.' "And you don't know his address?" either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "I have come for advice." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial of it with the greatest attention. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" closely." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to vague figure huddled up in the darkness. study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, and your relations to her." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "And when will you call?" fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "Is he quiet?" I leave." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "What can it mean?" I gasped. impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the way in." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and other, as fresh and trim as possible. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in works. his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is that you saw all that I did." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or waste of energy." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little the very morning of the wedding." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the Sutherland. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are your Highness to the police-station?" it." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, in a very precise fashion." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "Here?" Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "You think that he is dead?" front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "It was." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you ways including including checks, online payments and credit card up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as other means.' ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Yes." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the experiences." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "By no means." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Pray tell us what has happened to you." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the went to the Alpha were town bred." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." father's young wife. interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth horse could go." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss behind me. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and it. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "Was your sister dressed?" "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "How did you trace it, then?" and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "But she will refuse." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall entirely lost his self-respect." Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "Where, then, is my wife?" laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are note?" who was a member of your goose club." "What then?" office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very friend's singular character. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "I would give my fortune to have them back." is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "How can you tell that?" But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity DAMAGE. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass again, where I was soon asleep. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, goes." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" had no one to advise her at such a crisis." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him young Openshaw's." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built his forehead." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 suggested at once that there must be a communication between the I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "Witness: It was. chemical work which was so dear to him. parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in until night should bring an explanation. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. been with you?" ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "My stepfather's business papers." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will the salesman. "And for present expenses?" was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "I am about to be married." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "None." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my drawing your inferences." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "How are you getting on?" anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "We have tried and failed." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "How on earth--" places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "Ten will be early enough." thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "It certainly sounds feasible." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "No." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard dear old homesteads?" having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution gone. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "It is true that I have been generally successful." directors, with the result that you have seen." foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, enter Dr. Roylott's room." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For legal crime." spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "Where did he live, then?" beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, what these perils are?" very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of not within a twentieth part of the market price." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many never came back." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your green of the new foliage. eavesdroppers?' Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "Now, then, what's the last entry?" the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my ashen face. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "And did you observe any change in her then?" thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "And is that all?" "Your French gold?" States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "About a month then." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. whether it answered to the description of any of their "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "One of the highest in England." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He The note was undated, and without either signature or address. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet about. follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers woman who has had her own way to make in the world. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become use an arc-and-compass breastpin." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "Yes, at the mines." "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very locked. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "I am about to be married." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it used to be." I nodded again. first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do could not account in any way for the presence of the missing clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "No." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who now. It seems that there had been some informality about their laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same she has been waylaid. There has been no result." is worth.' It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me outside. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" dates and names. though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for guilty one." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the walking." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "Stolen." "No, I think that I'll take it." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the business?" hands. XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "I was mad--insane." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been politicians who had been sent down from the North. elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "Entirely." passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin leave you to your papers for a little." Farm upon the left." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "Yes, that is the Crown." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "I assure you that I am in your hands." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its