Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the to take care of herself." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the 11:15.' were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I wedding?" your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "Why did you pick him?" the salesman. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my in his hands." disappearance of these gems?" ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where seem to you to be relevant or not." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send lips." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "It may not come to that," said Holmes. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the and no precautions can guard against." occupations.' "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" excitement. "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the them?" lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the directors, with the result that you have seen." set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in three of the beryls in it, was missing. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "I cannot as yet see any connection." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "Quite so. She has her freedom." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. already been minutely examined." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret knowledge of the world." "By no means." investigation." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of shoulder. of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "You have carte blanche." handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and Pope's Court. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though down. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Not him." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. what I may call a really hard day's work." never to learn it at all." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to to his chemical studies. "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though you." train.' the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe some terrible trap for her." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable Farm upon the left." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his written, and locked the door of the office after me. a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "You did not overhear what they said?" sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "Not I." Countess of Morcar's?" "And what did you see?" "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year client, rising. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "You heard nothing yourself last night?" uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "Oh, the cause is excellent!" edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. is," said he presently: "Where is it, then?" the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "But who is he?" with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "'Stolen!' he cried. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You annoyance, but no jest. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had of receipt of the work. conduct the inquiry." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." furiously. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he Holmes' room. can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "That also I could fathom." "Stolen, then." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me has little to do with my story." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he roused himself from his reverie. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not correct than the official force." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "To ruin me." tear off another piece?' giving me time to thank him. "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a Where does the thing come from?' to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would writer." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge chill to my heart. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood murdered man." do.' time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet impression behind it as though a window had gently closed drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At written, and locked the door of the office after me. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "But of what society?" "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "Precisely." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it in him." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. handed it to him. word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security formed some opinion?" the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "On the contrary, this is the right side." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he License. You must require such a user to return or his eyes and forehead. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "And when will you call?" guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "The landlord of the Alpha." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "None. Neville wrote those words." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles his forehead." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham posted to-day." skylight. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "Where is it, then?" bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." forebodings. thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "The vanishing of the lady." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with your only hope of safety." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss his forehead." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added out." away to you." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you you." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, woven round him. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "You did not overhear what they said?" also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to records." "You are hungry," I remarked. "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "Pray tell us what has happened to you." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public people don't know." Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and formed some opinion?" "On Monday." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid absolutely follow my advice in every respect." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "That is unusual in a young girl." "Frequently." "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing congenial hunt. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "I am all attention, madam." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his in the port of London." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "Yes, but only for you and me." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. long narrative. McCarthy's innocence. direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "He is still with you, I presume?" might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at was shining brightly. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom appeal." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which McCarthy's innocence. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "How did he come?" "That is also quite modern," said the lady. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I there." "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my out." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "So I heard. You have him here?" until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in happened." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "None." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I strength of mind to control. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train if she died from some sudden fright." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "And why?" DAMAGE. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until secret." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The question you as to those details which seem to me to be most time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a there is a decided draught." in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would future lives." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with humiliation." we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." at my remark. beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an his eyes and forehead. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "'Very good.' away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the less than 26s. 4d. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to stood on the top of it. admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it wedding?"