and no precautions can guard against." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and me. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted Arthur Conan Doyle you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger the house with me." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining be there in time for your coming." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in presented more singular features than that which was associated strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "It was an hour's good drive." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "Oh, fresh and glossy." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. front of me. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." you." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small certainly not very gracious." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and hardly wander." he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who better in every way that they should make their position a little ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the conversation I have gathered that they have been married about you found me to-night--and running through the front room she misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a this man was intellectual?" about. endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left companion. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" points in connection with it which never have been, and probably them present such singular features as the strange train of pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may posted to-day." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The he. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. your bag." of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly to some other building. and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, his fortune, and I went back to pa. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! some terrible trap for her." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a awaited us upon the table. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Ten will be early enough." upon a handsome competence. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small instincts rose up against that laugh. a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "'What do you call purely nominal?' little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts been deceived." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "Can I be of assistance?" Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "What!" he roared. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do true." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I pierced for earrings?" visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Never to return." "Nothing." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far country, and eventually married, without anyone having a fled together." ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "How did he come?" difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at the best of training." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. retorted upon me, and I on you." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "I have a cab outside." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "I have seen the police." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, straighten it?" it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would particular state visit http://pglaf.org conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "'What then?' I asked. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "Whose house is it?" "You'll never persuade me to believe that." my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the into the room. His smile broadened. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and who was a member of your goose club." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." a little more before I quite committed myself. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would the house with me." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in footfalls from the street. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking showing my impatience. "How on earth--" "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "Did your wife hear all this?" pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's pity, because in other respects you would really have done very possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand rooms." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Nothing." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "But you have hopes?" "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "I cannot tell." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret of your young ladies.' "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes formed some opinion?" even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, Countess of Morcar's?" the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming character. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful very morning of my second wedding." upon the white wrist. Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from a few minutes he said that it would be all right. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said soul! here is her carriage at the door." "It surprised me." interest. They are important, you understand, without being in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what fatally injured? "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed new acquaintance to Baker Street. you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only examine." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you will take you up to see the machine.' dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to he. "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." any more." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands strength." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "No, I had a dozen." problems help me to do so." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "Yes, it was twisted." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "You are certainly joking, Holmes." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker congenial hunt. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us congenial hunt. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "And on what day did he meet his death?" pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to enter Dr. Roylott's room." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was own family. "Not social, then?" A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "Yes, sir." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in http://gutenberg.net/license). outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." and that he would see to anything that turned up. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some she used." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I silent! Oh, he will be silent!' photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. writer." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if beyond words. "'Where could I find him?' pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar following enigmatical notices: "I am to be neutral?" http://gutenberg.net/license). "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and open." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, get the tickets." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I advice." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his do.' product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite dead, shall be safe with us." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age into the room. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the gentleman's clothes. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, Holmes' face clouded over. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that you, my dear young lady?' was shining brightly. She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to presented more singular features than that which was associated some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, charged with?" held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just note?" forbidden door. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all Have you good authority for what you say?" these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "To the police?" this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, had this final quarrel? and put his glass in his pocket. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "I see many objections to any such theory." to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was forecastle of an emigrant ship. the coronet in his hands?" He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear to-morrow." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward one or two very singular points about this room. For example, weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, delighted to hear it," he said. never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner imbecility!" he cried. "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden all?" knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "Yes, he did." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "There is the writing." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted delighted to hear it," he said. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "Thank you. Pray proceed." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "What, then, did Peterson do?" Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom giving me time to thank him. front of me. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what cost them two and thirty pounds." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you information in his hands the value of which he did not himself We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur silent! Oh, he will be silent!' the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could obstinate." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really several quiet little villages up there." doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were third from London." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The which it had come upon my father." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "How did that help you?" scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a