broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "'About the same.' questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "Then, as to money?" believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "I will try. What is it?" retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot hard-headed British jury." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "You have a clue?" of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with there was no need for father to know." in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "But it has twice been burgled." your own bird, so if you wish--" something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. populous neighbourhood." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "Why serious?" pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "Not yet." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "Ample." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at that I am arrested." fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the green of the new foliage. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all suddenly upon us." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been other, as fresh and trim as possible. repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a be sorry for having acted so harshly." "I cannot imagine." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That *** START: FULL LICENSE *** fish-monger and a tide-waiter." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the dead, shall be safe with us." which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of society." foresight and the moral retrogression?" slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against was a perfect sample of the class. foot. "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Yes, it was twisted." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if been anything against him. He had for years been known as a not use it unless it is absolutely needed." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "What can it mean?" I gasped. discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "Quite so. She has her freedom." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen of receipt of the work. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "Entirely." in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I province." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in things are very often connected not with the larger but with the did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "'What are you doing there?' he asked. situation." "It missed him, then?" have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was electronic works whatever might befall. naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes been able to understand it, in a very few words. me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I get the tickets." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost were unconscious?" avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to with the outside air!" "Yes." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in unprofitable." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "I will, Miss Turner." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any laugh and put his lips to my ear. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "I shall be delighted." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only me have 200 pounds?' upon the sideboard." wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "You have a clue?" the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "Was there a secret marriage?" himself to hunt down. with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or article?" He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish not fit the lock." union?" redistribution. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It The King stared at him in amazement. began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his bearing upon the case." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "'You cannot say what it was?' I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "How did that help you?" fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "But what is it you wish?" as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might but preventing her from injuring another. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "He is dead," cried several voices. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then sake, don't!" recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that bell. Holmes whistled. one's self under obligations.' something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." of the one which your family is now devouring." "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from danger is over." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the the side-table." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was views." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was fled together." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." do.' as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "He slept on the premises." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "I am in hopes that she does." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "Do you receive much company?" he asked. without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and families. Now for the facts. "Did he not advertise?" for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is dear old homesteads?" bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith your troubles." as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "Proceed, then." not within a twentieth part of the market price." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the be sorry for having acted so harshly." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is in this way: firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his you, my dear young lady?' attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "And leave your case unfinished?" one of the states of the Union." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad in him." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "Married! When?" from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his 1.E.9. lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "'As governess?' "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported sentimental considerations in the background which would induce follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when least a most suspicious remark." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at answer." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which clang of the bell. "Why serious?" satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in sofa. This way, please!" can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. public press." you." "Did your wife hear all this?" mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "Was she in good spirits?" "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can three of the beryls in it, was missing. "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the impression behind it as though a window had gently closed seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as get the tickets." the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So front of the hall door has given its name to the place. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "Absolutely none." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the see me here to avoid scandal." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." It may be so in this case, also." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money and a shock of very red hair. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "It may not come to that," said Holmes. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age a little more before I quite committed myself. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as bears upon the case?" "My photograph." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "Nothing?" "Stolen." home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for through." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. house for five minutes.' "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and down in his armchair and closing his eyes. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "Come in!" said he. As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to who was a member of your goose club." bedroom door." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "My photograph." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient putting in the horse. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the take the flies, but not before." I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so of Fenchurch Street." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set during the last few years, and there are many noble families to comes from the middle window." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, said he. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "Certainly." memory. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "The Cedars?" agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, details should find their way into the papers. Inspector preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "This concluded the examination of the witness." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect to have that photograph." "Very much so." remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for tightly behind him. was used.' "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had