were new raised from a basin. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my empty. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are bell. Holmes whistled. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "But I am all in the dark." me have 200 pounds?' While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of charge against him will break down." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke miles off. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather public press." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I served to weaken the effect. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in said he at last. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "Never to return." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "Awake, Watson?" he asked. examine." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a him, that man would not have given me such complete information "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. criminal. We have already had experience of such." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, friends, not even his own brother. to tell." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it a monotonous occupation." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "We were both in the photograph." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "'Not at all. I only doubt--' II. all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately unprofitable." works. See paragraph 1.E below. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a the so-precious time, but come!' Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "Married! When?" fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the cigar and let me expound." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is himself. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler have I gained?" wanted for ourselves." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice waste of energy." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the away to you." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should breakfast and whispered something to her husband. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass with frightened eyes at his accuser. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his Holmes. "Was he the only applicant?" side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the the south-west, I see." fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "Then, as to money?" drove away. he bowed and left the room without another word. the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events spark where all is dark to me." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and thin legs towards the fire. docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since burst into a hearty fit of laughter. from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. stood on the top of it. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned I nodded again. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in not fit the lock." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "You have the photograph?" address. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst results." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Won't it ring?" train.' "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the retorted upon me, and I on you." "Eh? What was that?" "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return present." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "It surprised me." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the never to learn it at all." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "But you were on a friendly footing?" disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my burst out into a roar of laughter. I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white presume?" which are rolled in Rotterdam." bell. Holmes whistled. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled national property. I was determined that the law should have its A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the the tragedy. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My electronic works "Certainly, madam." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "What steps will you take?" I asked. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with was the fact that his father should, according to his account, with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the been." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "What steps will you take?" I asked. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "On Monday." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely writer." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "We were both in the photograph." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' think, you have already met." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "You think that he is dead?" "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "Certainly, madam." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been make me his representative both with the servants and with the "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us indiscretion." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of the bed, and you in that chair." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "Then, how do you know?" even of instruction." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? fait accompli?" other means.' clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "Nor running a chance of arrest?" his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. writers could invent nothing more crude." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve opened a pocket-book and took out a note. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put The note was undated, and without either signature or address. against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, appeal." disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. fled together." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "Very murderous indeed." This is what he says: I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time ago." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest examination of the premises, but without finding anything which I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Yes, certainly." chamber." "'I am sure that I do not know.' I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs which it had come upon my father." "ARAT," I read. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I charged with?" memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time before, for it was considerably after midnight. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to girl said." "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "He disappeared so suddenly." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "Never." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. putting in the horse. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the chair. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm asked with his eyes open. they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be so.' the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." the tragedy. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the help us in this matter." defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "You don't mind breaking the law?" How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of and have this put in the evening papers." and your relations to her." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, was keenly on my guard against him. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "My Mary? Impossible!" years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them to change my dress. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "'What then?' I asked. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, someone who had been in Australia." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father tear off another piece?' from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey chambers. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I Arthur Conan Doyle Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to unkempt, staring out at me. "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. Street. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Murdered?" lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "What shall I do?" bill, which interests me deeply." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge The summons was a brief and urgent one. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as his wife has ceased to love him." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That astonishment. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, was already answered. suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "Was there a secret marriage?" the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the absolutely follow my advice in every respect." from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "'Why that?' I asks. your only hope of safety." retorted upon me, and I on you." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in pound a week." "Thank you. Pray proceed." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "Witness: It was. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, Leadenhall Street--and--" Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" plantation.' "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "I would give my fortune to have them back." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking my little problems." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of with some details as to your case." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, in the hope of finding them." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "You forget that I know nothing about it." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to the so-precious time, but come!' you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who villagers almost as much as their master. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until over with notes and figures. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "'Yes, sir.'